Cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors and secondary effectors and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The present application provides immune cells (such as T cells) comprising a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) and a secretory secondary effector (SSE) construct. The caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen and a T cell receptor module (TCRM) capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and the SSE is capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR. Also provided are methods of making and using these cells.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/490,576, filed on Apr. 26, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/490,578, filed on Apr. 26, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/490,580, filed on Apr. 26, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

SUBMISSION OF SEQUENCE LISTING ON ASCII TEXT FILE

The content of the following submission on ASCII text file is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: a computer readable form (CRF) of the Sequence Listing (file name: 750042001140SEQLIST.txt, date recorded: Apr. 24, 2018, size: 80 KB).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to immune cells (such as T cells) comprising a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) and a secretory secondary effector (SSE) construct. The caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen and a T cell receptor module (TCRM) capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and the SSE is capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

T-cell mediated immunity is an adaptive process of developing antigen (Ag)-specific T lymphocytes to eliminate viruses, bacterial, parasitic infections or malignant cells. It can also involve aberrant recognition of self-antigen, leading to autoimmune inflammatory diseases. The Ag specificity of T lymphocytes is based on recognition through the T Cell Receptor (TCR) of unique antigenic peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on Ag-presenting cells (APC) (Broere, et al., Principles of Immunopharmacology, 2011). Each T lymphocyte expresses a unique TCR on the cell surface as the result of developmental selection upon maturation in the thymus. The TCR occurs in two forms as either an αβ heterodimer or as a γδ heterodimer. T cells express either the αβ form or the γ6 form TCR on the cell surface. The four chains, α/β/γ/δ, all have a characteristic extracellular structure consisting of a highly polymorphic “immunoglobulin variable region”-like N-terminal domain and an “immunoglobulin constant region”-like second domain. Each of these domains has a characteristic intra-domain disulfide bridge. The constant region is proximal to the cell membrane, followed by a connecting peptide, a transmembrane region and a short cytoplasmic tail. The covalent linkage between the 2 chains of the heterodimeric TCR is formed by the cysteine residue located within the short connecting peptide sequence bridging the extracellular constant domain and the transmembrane region which forms a disulfide bond with the paired TCR chain cysteine residue at the corresponding position (The T cell Receptor Factsbook, 2001).

The αβ and γδ TCRs are associated with the non-polymorphic membrane-bound CD3 proteins to form the functional octameric TCR-CD3 complex, consisting of the TCR heterodimer and three dimeric signaling molecules, CD3δ/ε, CD3γ/ε and CD3ζ/ζ or ζ/η. Ionizable residues in the transmembrane domain of each subunit form a polar network of interactions that hold the complex together. For T cell activation, the TCR N-terminal variable regions recognize the peptide/MHC complex presented on the surface of target cell, whereas the CD3 proteins participate in signal transduction (Call et al., Cell. 111(7):967-79, 2002; The T cell Receptor Factsbook, 2001).

αβ TCR, also called conventional TCR, is expressed on most lymphocytes and consists of the glycosylated polymorphic α and β chains. Different αβ TCRs can discriminate among different peptides embedded in the surfaces of MHC II (mostly expressed on APC cell surfaces) and MHC I (expressed on all nucleated cells) molecules, whose dimensions and shapes are relatively constant. The γδ TCR, though structurally similar to the αβ TCR, recognizes carbohydrate-, nucleotide-, or phosphor-carrying antigens in a fashion independent of MHC presentation (The T cell Receptor Factsbook, 2001; Girardi et al., J. Invest. Dermatol. 126(1):25-31, 2006; Hayes et al., Immunity. 16(6): 827-38, 2002).

In the past two decades, fundamental advances in immunology and tumor biology, combined with the identification of a large number of tumor antigens, have led to significant progress in the field of cell-based immunotherapy. T cell therapy occupies a large space in the field of cell-based immunotherapy, with the goal of treating cancer by transferring autologous and ex vivo expanded T cells to patients, and has resulted in some notable antitumor responses (Blattman et al., Science. 305(5681):200-5, 2004). For example, the administration of naturally occurring tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) expanded ex vivo mediated an objective response rate ranging from 50-70% in melanoma patients, including bulky invasive tumors at multiple sites involving liver, lung, soft tissue and brain (Rosenberg et al., Nat. Rev. Cancer. 8(4):299-308, 2008; Dudley M E et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 23(10):2346-57, 2005).

A major limitation to the widespread application of TIL therapy is the difficulty in generating human T cells with antitumor potential. As an alternative approach, exogenous high-affinity TCRs can be introduced into normal autologous T cells of the patients through T cell engineering. The adoptive transfer of these cells into lympho-depleted patients has been shown to mediate cancer regression in cancers such as melanoma, colorectal carcinoma, and synovial sarcoma (Kunert R et al., Front. Immunol. 4:363, 2013).

One of the advantages of TCR-engineered T cell therapy is that it can target the entire array of potential intracellular tumor-specific proteins, which are processed and delivered to the cell surface through MHC presentation. Furthermore, the TCR is highly sensitive and can be activated by just a few antigenic peptide/MHC molecules, which in turn can trigger a cytolytic T cell response, including cytokine secretion, T cell proliferation and cytolysis of defined target cells. Therefore, compared with antibody or small molecule therapies, TCR-engineered T cells are particularly valuable for their ability to kill target cells with very few copies of target intracellular antigens (Kunert R et al., Front. Immunol. 4:363, 2013).

However, unlike therapeutic antibodies, which are mostly discovered through hybridoma or display technologies, identification of target-specific TCRs requires the establishment of target peptide/MHC specific TCR clones from patient T cells and screening for the right α-β chain combination that has the optimal target antigen-binding affinity. Very often, phage/yeast display is employed after cloning of the TCR from patient T cells to further enhance the target binding affinity of the TCR. The whole process requires expertise in many areas and is time-consuming (Kobayashi E et al., Oncoimmunology. 3(1):e27258, 2014). The difficulties in the TCR discovery process have largely impeded the widespread application of TCR-engineered T cell therapy. It has also been hampered by treatment-related toxicity, in particularly with TCRs against antigens that are over-expressed on tumor cells but also expressed on healthy cells, or with TCRs recognizing off-target peptide/MHC complexes (Rosenberg S A et al., Science. 348(6230):62-8, 2015).

A different approach has been developed in recent years to engage T cells for targeted cancer immunotherapy. This new approach is called Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell Therapy (CAR-T). It merges the exquisite targeting specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potent cytotoxicity and long-term persistence provided by cytotoxic T cells. A CAR is composed of an extracellular domain that recognizes a cell surface antigen, a transmembrane region, and an intracellular signaling domain. The extracellular domain consists of the antigen-binding variable regions from the heavy and light chains of a monoclonal antibody that are fused into a single-chain variable fragment (scFv). The intracellular signaling domain contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), such as those from CD3ζ or FcRγ, and one or more costimulatory signaling domains, such as those from CD28, 4-1BB or OX40 (Barrett D M et al., Annu. Rev. Med. 65:333-47, 2014; Davila M L et al., Oncoimmunology. 1(9):1577-1583, 2012). Binding of target antigens by CARs grafted onto a T cell surface can trigger T cell effector functions independent of TCR-peptide/MHC complex interaction. Thus, T cells equipped with CARs can be redirected to attack a broad variety of cells, including those that do not match the MHC type of the TCRs on the T cells but express the target cell-surface antigens. This approach overcomes the constraints of MHC-restricted TCR recognition and avoids tumor escape through impairments in antigen presentation or MHC molecule expression. Clinical trials have shown clinically significant antitumor activity of CAR-T therapy in neuroblastoma (Louis C U et al., Blood. 118(23):6050-6056, 2011), B-ALL (Maude, S L, et al., New England Journal of Medicine 371:16:1507-1517, 2014), CLL (Brentjens, R J, et al. Blood 118:18:4817-4828, 2011), and B cell lymphoma (Kochenderfer, J N, et al. Blood 116:20:4099-4102, 2010). In one study, a 90% complete remission rate in 30 patients with B-ALL treated with CD19-CAR T therapy was reported (Maude, S L, et al., supra).

All CARs studied so far have been directed to tumor antigens with high cell surface expression. To target low-copy number cell-surface tumor antigens and intracellular tumor antigens, which represent 95% of all known tumor-specific antigens, there is a need to develop more potent and effective engineered cell therapies (Cheever, et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 15(17):5323-37, 2009).

Several attempts have been made to engineer chimeric receptor molecules having antibody specificity with T cell receptor effector functions. See, for example, Kuwana, Y, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 149(3):960-968, 1987; Gross, G, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 86:10024-10028, 1989; Gross, G & Eshhar, Z, FASEB J 6(15):3370-3378, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,741,465. To this date, none of these chimeric receptors have been adopted for clinical use, and novel designs for antibody-TCR chimeric receptors with improved expression and functionality in human T cells are needed.

The disclosures of all publications, patents, patent applications and published patent applications referred to herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. PCT Application Number PCT/US2016/058305 is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application in one aspect provides immune cells (such as T cells) comprising a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) and a secretory secondary effector (SSE) construct. The caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen and a T cell receptor module (TCRM) capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and the SSE is capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR.

In some embodiments, there is provided an immune cell a) comprising a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) comprising: i) an antigen binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen; and ii) a T cell receptor module (TCRM) comprising a first TCR domain (TCRD) comprising a first TCR transmembrane domain (TCR-TM) and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) capable of secreting a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR.

In some embodiments, there is provided one or more nucleic acids encoding a caTCR and an SSE as described herein.

In some embodiments, there is provided one or more nucleic acids encoding: a) a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) comprising: i) an antigen binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen; and ii) a T cell receptor module (TCRM) comprising a first TCR domain (TCRD) comprising a first TCR transmembrane domain (TCR-TM) and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR.

In some embodiments, there is provided one or more vectors comprising one or more nucleic acids as described herein.

In some embodiments, there is provided a composition comprising one or more nucleic acids or one or more vectors as described herein.

In some embodiments, there is provided an immune cell comprising one or more nucleic acids or one or more vectors as described herein.

In some embodiments, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising an immune cell as described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of killing a target cell presenting a target antigen, comprising contacting the target cell with an immune cell as described herein.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-associated disease in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of enhancing an immune response of an immune cell comprising a caTCR or transduced with a nucleic acid encoding a caTCR, comprising introducing into said cell one or more nucleic acids or one or more vectors as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of several caTCR molecules having different antigen-binding modules.

FIG. 2 shows percent specific lysis from the killing of cancer cell lines HepG2 (AFP⁺/GPC3⁺) and HepG2-GPC3.ko (AFP⁺/GPC3⁻), mediated by T cells transduced with either anti-AFP158/HLA-A*2:01 caTCR alone or anti-AFP158/HLA-A*2:01 caTCR+anti-CD3/anti-GPC3 BsAb at the indicated percent caTCR positivity (5% to 40%).

FIG. 3 shows the concentration of cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) found in the supernatant after in vitro killing of cancer cell lines HepG2 and HepG2-GPC3.ko, mediated by T cells transduced with either anti-AFP158/HLA-A*2:01 caTCR alone or anti-AFP158/HLA-A*2:01 caTCR+anti-CD3/anti-GPC3 BsAb at the indicated percent caTCR positivity (5% to 40%).

FIG. 4 shows the potentiation of target-specific cancer cell line killing mediated by anti-CD3/anti-GPC3 BsAbs released from activated anti-AFP158/HLA-A*2:01 caTCR+anti-CD3/anti-GPC3 BsAb T cells. The indicated transduced T cells and target cells were incubated together and separated from the indicated target cells and mock T cells by a membrane permeable to the BsAb, but not the T cells.

FIGS. 5A-5E show schematic structures of exemplary bispecific caTCR molecules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application provides immune cells (such as T cells) comprising a chimeric antibody/T cell receptor construct (referred to herein as a “caTCR”) and a secretory secondary effector (SSE). The caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen and a T cell receptor module (TCRM) capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule. The target antigen of the caTCR can be a protein expressed on the cell surface or a complex comprising a peptide and an MHC protein (referred to herein as a “pMHC complex,” or “pMHC”), such as an MHC-presented disease-associated antigen peptide on the surface of a diseased cell. The SSE is capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR, and includes, for example, bispecific immune cell (such as T cell or NK cell) engagers, antagonists of immunosuppressors, agonists of immunostimulators, soluble receptor ligand traps, and stimulatory cytokines. The SSE can enhance an immune response, for example, by blocking an immunosuppressive signal or potentiating an immunostimulatory signal.

We have developed a series of novel T cells comprising caTCR and SSE constructs. They exhibited potent cytotoxicity against target-bearing tumor cells, with increased cytokine expression in response to target cell engagement as compared to cells expressing only the caTCR in the absence of the SSE.

The present application thus provides immune cells (such as T cells) comprising a caTCR specific for a target antigen and an SSE, wherein the caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen and a T cell receptor module (TCRM) capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein the SSE is capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR. The caTCR can take any of a number of formats with variations in the antigen-binding module and/or TCRM. For example, the caTCR can have an antigen-binding module comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)₂, an Fv, and an scFv, and a TCRM comprising one or more sequences derived from an α/β or γ/δ TCR, including variants in one or more of the transmembrane domain, connecting peptide, and intracellular domain. See FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific). The SSE includes, without limitation, a bispecific immune cell (such as T cell or NK cell) engager, an antagonist of an immunosuppressor, an agonist of an immunostimulator, a soluble receptor ligand trap, or a stimulatory cytokine.

In yet other aspects, there are provided a) one or more nucleic acids encoding a caTCR and an SSE, b) immune cells comprising one or more nucleic acids encoding a caTCR and an SSE, and c) compositions comprising immune cells comprising i) a caTCR and an SSE, or ii) one or more nucleic acids encoding the caTCR and the SSE. The compositions can be pharmaceutical compositions.

Also provided are methods of making and using immune cells comprising a caTCR and an SSE for treatment purposes, as well as kits and articles of manufacture useful for such methods. Further provided are methods of treating a disease using immune cells comprising a caTCR and an SSE.

Definitions

The term “antibody” or “antibody moiety” includes full-length antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof. A full-length antibody comprises two heavy chains and two light chains. The variable regions of the light and heavy chains are responsible for antigen-binding. The variables region in both chains generally contain three highly variable loops called the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) (light chain (LC) CDRs including LC-CDR1, LC-CDR2, and LC-CDR3, heavy chain (HC) CDRs including HC-CDR1, HC-CDR2, and HC-CDR3). CDR boundaries for the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments disclosed herein may be defined or identified by the conventions of Kabat, Chothia, or Al-Lazikani (Al-Lazikani 1997; Chothia 1985; Chothia 1987; Chothia 1989; Kabat 1987; Kabat 1991). The three CDRs of the heavy or light chains are interposed between flanking stretches known as framework regions (FRs), which are more highly conserved than the CDRs and form a scaffold to support the hypervariable loops. The constant regions of the heavy and light chains are not involved in antigen-binding, but exhibit various effector functions. Antibodies are assigned to classes based on the amino acid sequence of the constant region of their heavy chain. The five major classes or isotypes of antibodies are IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, which are characterized by the presence of α, δ, ε, γ, and μ heavy chains, respectively. Several of the major antibody classes are divided into subclasses such as IgG1 (γ1 heavy chain), IgG2 (γ2 heavy chain), IgG3 (γ3 heavy chain), IgG4 (γ4 heavy chain), IgA1 (α1 heavy chain), or IgA2 (α2 heavy chain).

The term “antigen-binding fragment” as used herein refers to an antibody fragment including, for example, a diabody, a Fab, a Fab′, a F(ab′)2, an Fv fragment, a disulfide stabilized Fv fragment (dsFv), a (dsFv)2, a bispecific dsFv (dsFv-dsFv′), a disulfide stabilized diabody (ds diabody), a single-chain antibody molecule (scFv), an scFv dimer (bivalent diabody), a multispecific antibody formed from a portion of an antibody comprising one or more CDRs, a camelized single domain antibody, a nanobody, a domain antibody, a bivalent domain antibody, or any other antibody fragment that binds to an antigen but does not comprise a complete antibody structure. An antigen-binding fragment is capable of binding to the same antigen to which the parent antibody or a parent antibody fragment (e.g., a parent scFv) binds. In some embodiments, an antigen-binding fragment may comprise one or more CDRs from a particular human antibody grafted to a framework region from one or more different human antibodies.

As used herein, a first antibody moiety “competes” for binding to a target antigen with a second antibody moiety when the first antibody moiety inhibits target antigen-binding of the second antibody moiety by at least about 50% (such as at least about any of 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98% or 99%) in the presence of an equimolar concentration of the first antibody moiety, or vice versa. A high throughput process for “binning” antibodies based upon their cross-competition is described in PCT Publication No. WO 03/48731.

As use herein, the term “specifically binds” or “is specific for” refers to measurable and reproducible interactions, such as binding between a target and an antibody or antibody moiety that is determinative of the presence of the target in the presence of a heterogeneous population of molecules, including biological molecules. For example, an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a target (which can be an epitope) is an antibody moiety that binds the target with greater affinity, avidity, more readily, and/or with greater duration than its bindings to other targets. In some embodiments, an antibody moiety that specifically binds to an antigen reacts with one or more antigenic determinants of the antigen (for example a cell surface antigen or a peptide/MHC protein complex) with a binding affinity that is at least about 10 times its binding affinity for other targets.

The term “T cell receptor,” or “TCR,” refers to a heterodimeric receptor composed of αβ or γδ chains that pair on the surface of a T cell. Each α, β, γ, and δ chain is composed of two Ig-like domains: a variable domain (V) that confers antigen recognition through the complementarity determining regions (CDR), followed by a constant domain (C) that is anchored to cell membrane by a connecting peptide and a transmembrane (TM) region. The TM region associates with the invariant subunits of the CD3 signaling apparatus. Each of the V domains has three CDRs. These CDRs interact with a complex between an antigenic peptide bound to a protein encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) (Davis and Bjorkman (1988) Nature, 334, 395-402; Davis et al. (1998) Annu Rev Immunol, 16, 523-544; Murphy (2012), xix, 868 p.).

The term “TCR-associated signaling molecule” refers to a molecule having a cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) that is part of the TCR-CD3 complex. TCR-associated signaling molecules include CD3γε, CD3δε, and ζζ (also known as CD3ζ or CD3ζζ).

“Activation”, as used herein in relation to a cell expressing CD3, refers to the state of the cell that has been sufficiently stimulated to induce a detectable increase in downstream effector functions of the CD3 signaling pathway, including, without limitation, cellular proliferation and cytokine production.

The term “module” when referring to a portion of a protein is meant to include structurally and/or functionally related portions of one or more polypeptides which make up the protein. For example, a transmembrane module of a dimeric receptor may refer to the portions of each polypeptide chain of the receptor that span the membrane. A module may also refer to related portions of a single polypeptide chain. For example, a transmembrane module of a monomeric receptor may refer to portions of the single polypeptide chain of the receptor that span the membrane. A module may also include only a single portion of a polypeptide.

An “isolated” construct (such as a caTCR) as used herein refers to a construct that (1) is not associated with proteins found in nature, (2) is free of other proteins from the same source, (3) is expressed by a cell from a different species, or, (4) does not occur in nature.

The term “isolated nucleic acid” as used herein is intended to mean a nucleic acid of genomic, cDNA, or synthetic origin or some combination thereof, which by virtue of its origin the “isolated nucleic acid” (1) is not associated with all or a portion of a polynucleotide in which the “isolated nucleic acid” is found in nature, (2) is operably linked to a polynucleotide which it is not linked to in nature, or (3) does not occur in nature as part of a larger sequence.

As used herein, the term “CDR” or “complementarity determining region” is intended to mean the non-contiguous antigen combining sites found within the variable region of both heavy and light chain polypeptides. These particular regions have been described by Kabat et al., J. Biol. Chem. 252:6609-6616 (1977); Kabat et al., U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, “Sequences of proteins of immunological interest” (1991); Chothia et al., J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987); Al-Lazikani B. et al., J. Mol. Biol., 273: 927-948 (1997); MacCallum et al., J. Mol. Biol. 262:732-745 (1996); Abhinandan and Martin, Mol. Immunol., 45: 3832-3839 (2008); Lefranc M. P. et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol., 27: 55-77 (2003); and Honegger and Plückthun, J. Mol. Biol., 309:657-670 (2001), where the definitions include overlapping or subsets of amino acid residues when compared against each other. Nevertheless, application of either definition to refer to a CDR of an antibody or grafted antibodies or variants thereof is intended to be within the scope of the term as defined and used herein. The amino acid residues which encompass the CDRs as defined by each of the above cited references are set forth below in Table 1 as a comparison. CDR prediction algorithms and interfaces are known in the art, including, for example, Abhinandan and Martin, Mol. Immunol., 45: 3832-3839 (2008); Ehrenmann F. et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 38: D301-D307 (2010); and Adolf-Bryfogle J. et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 43: D432-D438 (2015). The contents of the references cited in this paragraph are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for use in the present invention and for possible inclusion in one or more claims herein.

TABLE 1 CDR DEFINITIONS Kabat¹ Chothia² MacCallum³ IMGT⁴ AHo⁵ V_(H) CDR1 31-35 26-32 30-35 27-38 25-40 V_(H) CDR2 50-65 53-55 47-58 56-65 58-77 V_(H) CDR3  95-102  96-101  93-101 105-117 109-137 V_(L) CDR1 24-34 26-32 30-36 27-38 25-40 V_(L) CDR2 50-56 50-52 46-55 56-65 58-77 V_(L) CDR3 89-97 91-96 89-96 105-117 109-137 ¹Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Kabat et al., supra ²Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Chothia et al., supra ³Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of MacCallum et al., supra ⁴Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Lefranc et al., supra ⁵Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Honegger and Plückthun, supra

The term “chimeric antibodies” refer to antibodies in which a portion of the heavy and/or light chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder of the chain(s) is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit a biological activity of this invention (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; and Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81:6851-6855 (1984)).

The term “semi-synthetic” in reference to an antibody or antibody moiety means that the antibody or antibody moiety has one or more naturally occurring sequences and one or more non-naturally occurring (i.e., synthetic) sequences.

The term “fully synthetic” in reference to an antibody or antibody moiety means that the antibody or antibody moiety has fixed naturally occurring V_(H)/V_(L) framework pairings, but non-naturally occurring (i.e., synthetic) sequences of all 6 CDRs of both heavy and light chains.

“Humanized” forms of non-human (e.g., rodent) antibodies are chimeric antibodies that contain minimal sequence derived from the non-human antibody. For the most part, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues from a hypervariable region (HVR) of the recipient are replaced by residues from a hypervariable region of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat, rabbit or non-human primate having the desired antibody specificity, affinity, and capability. In some instances, framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore, humanized antibodies can comprise residues that are not found in the recipient antibody or in the donor antibody. These modifications are made to further refine antibody performance. In general, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the hypervariable loops correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FRs are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized antibody optionally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin. For further details, see Jones et al., Nature 321:522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature 332:323-329 (1988); and Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 2:593-596 (1992).

“Homology” refers to the sequence similarity or sequence identity between two polypeptides or between two nucleic acid molecules. When a position in both of the two compared sequences is occupied by the same base or amino acid monomer subunit, e.g., if a position in each of two DNA molecules is occupied by adenine, then the molecules are “homologous” at that position. The “percent of homology” or “percent sequence identity” between two sequences is a function of the number of matching or homologous positions shared by the two sequences divided by the number of positions compared times 100, considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. For example, if 6 of 10 of the positions in two sequences are matched or homologous then the two sequences are 60% homologous. By way of example, the DNA sequences ATTGCC and TATGGC share 50% homology. Generally, a comparison is made when two sequences are aligned to give maximum homology. Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN, Megalign (DNASTAR), or MUSCLE software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for measuring alignment, including any algorithms needed to achieve maximal alignment over the full-length of the sequences being compared. For purposes herein, however, % amino acid sequence identity values are generated using the sequence comparison computer program MUSCLE (Edgar, R. C., Nucleic Acids Research 32(5):1792-1797, 2004; Edgar, R. C., BMC Bioinformatics 5(1):113, 2004).

The “C_(H)1 domain” of a human IgG Fc region (also referred to as “C1” of “H1” domain) usually extends from about amino acid 118 to about amino acid 215 (EU numbering system).

Unless otherwise specified, a “nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence” includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence. The phrase nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein or an RNA may also include introns to the extent that the nucleotide sequence encoding the protein may in some version contain an intron(s).

The term “operably linked” refers to functional linkage between a regulatory sequence and a heterologous nucleic acid sequence resulting in expression of the latter. For example, a first nucleic acid sequence is operably linked with a second nucleic acid sequence when the first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with the second nucleic acid sequence. For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence. Generally, operably linked DNA sequences are contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein coding regions, in the same reading frame.

The term “inducible promoter” refers to a promoter whose activity can be regulated by adding or removing one or more specific signals. For example, an inducible promoter may activate transcription of an operably linked nucleic acid under a specific set of conditions, e.g., in the presence of an inducing agent or conditions that activates the promoter and/or relieves repression of the promoter.

As used herein, “treatment” or “treating” is an approach for obtaining beneficial or desired results, including clinical results. For purposes of this invention, beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: alleviating one or more symptoms resulting from the disease, diminishing the extent of the disease, stabilizing the disease (e.g., preventing or delaying the worsening of the disease), preventing or delaying the spread (e.g., metastasis) of the disease, preventing or delaying the recurrence of the disease, delay or slowing the progression of the disease, ameliorating the disease state, providing a remission (partial or total) of the disease, decreasing the dose of one or more other medications required to treat the disease, delaying the progression of the disease, increasing or improving the quality of life, increasing weight gain, and/or prolonging survival. Also encompassed by “treatment” is a reduction of pathological consequence of the disease (such as, for example, tumor volume in cancer). The methods of the invention contemplate any one or more of these aspects of treatment.

The terms “recurrence,” “relapse” or “relapsed” refers to the return of a cancer or disease after clinical assessment of the disappearance of disease. A diagnosis of distant metastasis or local recurrence can be considered a relapse.

The term “refractory” or “resistant” refers to a cancer or disease that has not responded to treatment.

An “effective amount” of a caTCR or composition comprising a caTCR as disclosed herein is an amount sufficient to carry out a specifically stated purpose. An “effective amount” can be determined empirically and by known methods relating to the stated purpose.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount of a caTCR or composition comprising a caTCR as disclosed herein, effective to “treat” a disease or disorder in an individual. In the case of cancer, the therapeutically effective amount of a caTCR or composition comprising a caTCR as disclosed herein can reduce the number of cancer cells; reduce the tumor size or weight; inhibit (i.e., slow to some extent and preferably stop) cancer cell infiltration into peripheral organs; inhibit (i.e., slow to some extent and preferably stop) tumor metastasis; inhibit, to some extent, tumor growth; and/or relieve to some extent one or more of the symptoms associated with the cancer. To the extent a caTCR or composition comprising a caTCR as disclosed herein can prevent growth and/or kill existing cancer cells, it can be cytostatic and/or cytotoxic. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount is a growth inhibitory amount. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount is an amount that improves progression free survival of a patient. In the case of infectious disease, such as viral infection, the therapeutically effective amount of a caTCR or composition comprising a caTCR as disclosed herein can reduce the number of cells infected by the pathogen; reduce the production or release of pathogen-derived antigens; inhibit (i.e., slow to some extent and preferably stop) spread of the pathogen to uninfected cells; and/or relieve to some extent one or more symptoms associated with the infection. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount is an amount that extends the survival of a patient.

As used herein, by “pharmaceutically acceptable” or “pharmacologically compatible” is meant a material that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, e.g., the material may be incorporated into a pharmaceutical composition administered to a patient without causing any significant undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the other components of the composition in which it is contained. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients have preferably met the required standards of toxicological and manufacturing testing and/or are included on the Inactive Ingredient Guide prepared by the U.S. Food and Drug administration.

It is understood that embodiments of the invention described herein include “consisting” and/or “consisting essentially of” embodiments.

Reference to “about” a value or parameter herein includes (and describes) variations that are directed to that value or parameter per se. For example, description referring to “about X” includes description of “X”.

As used herein, reference to “not” a value or parameter generally means and describes “other than” a value or parameter. For example, the method is not used to treat cancer of type X means the method is used to treat cancer of types other than X.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “or,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

caTCR Plus SSE Immune Cell.

The present invention provides an immune cell (such as a T cell) presenting on its surface a caTCR and capable of secreting an SSE according to any of the caTCRs and SSEs described herein (such an immune cell is also referred to herein as a “caTCR plus SSE immune cell”). In some embodiments, the immune cell comprises nucleic acid encoding the caTCR and SSE, wherein the caTCR is expressed from the nucleic acid and localized to the immune cell surface, and wherein the SSE is expressed or capable of being expressed from the nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell does not express the TCR subunits from which the TCR-TMs of the caTCR are derived. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR δ and γ chains, or the T cell is a γδ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR α and β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is modified to block or decrease the expression of one or both of the endogenous TCR subunits of the immune cell. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains or the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. Modifications of cells to disrupt gene expression include any such techniques known in the art, including for example RNA interference (e.g., siRNA, shRNA, miRNA), gene editing (e.g., CRISPR- or TALEN-based gene knockout), and the like.

For example, in some embodiments, there is provided an immune cell (such as a T cell) comprising nucleic acid encoding a caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and an SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein, wherein the caTCR is expressed from the nucleic acid and localized to the immune cell surface, and wherein the SSE is expressed or capable of being expressed from the nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises one or more caTCR nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR, and one or more SSE nucleic acid sequences encoding the SSE. In some embodiments, some or all of the caTCR and SSE nucleic acid sequences are each contained in different vectors. In some embodiments, some or all of the caTCR and SSE nucleic acid sequences are contained in the same vector. Vectors may be selected, for example, from the group consisting of mammalian expression vectors and viral vectors (such as those derived from retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses, and lentiviruses). In some embodiments, one or more of the vectors is integrated into the host genome of the immune cell. In some embodiments, some or all of the caTCR and SSE nucleic acid sequences are under the control of different promoters. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the caTCR and SSE nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a single promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR are under the control of one or more constitutive promoters. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences encoding the SSE are under the control of one or more inducible promoters. In some embodiments, the inducible promoters are inducible upon activation of the immune cell. In some embodiments, the inducible promoters comprise an NFAT response element. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell.

Thus, in some embodiments, there is provided an immune cell (such as a T cell) comprising nucleic acid encoding a) a caTCR comprising an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a target antigen and a T cell receptor module (TCRM) comprising a first TCR domain (TCRD) comprising a first TCR transmembrane domain (TCR-TM) and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein the antibody moiety is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs; and b) an SSE capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR, wherein the nucleic acid comprises one or more caTCR nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR and one or more SSE nucleic acid sequences encoding the SSE. In some embodiments, the one or more caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the one or more SSE nucleic acid sequences are each contained in separate vectors (such as viral vectors, e.g., lentiviral vectors). In some embodiments, some or all of the one or more caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the one or more SSE nucleic acid sequences are contained in the same vector (such as a viral vector). In some embodiments, each of the one or more caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the one or more SSE nucleic acid sequences are, individually, operably linked to a promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the one or more caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the one or more SSE nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a single promoter. For example, in some embodiments, a) the caTCR is a dimer and the one or more caTCR nucleic acids comprise a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a first caTCR polypeptide chain and a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a second caTCR polypeptide; and b) the SSE is a monomer and the one or more SSE nucleic acids comprise an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE, and the first and second caTCR nucleic acids sequences are under the control of a first promoter, and the SSE nucleic acid sequence is under the control of a second promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the SSE nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, some or all of the vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety of the caTCR is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, and a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody (such as a bispecific antibody, e.g., a tandem scFv) targeting an immune cell (such as a T cell or NK cell) and a disease cell (such as a cancer cell). In some embodiments, the SSE comprises a first antibody moiety (e.g., a first scFv) targeting CD3 or CD16a, and a second antibody moiety (e.g., a second scFv) targeting GPC3, CD47, MUC16, CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody selected from the group consisting of a tandem scFv, a diabody (Db), a single chain diabody (scDb), a dual-affinity retargeting (DART) antibody, and a dual variable domain (DVD) antibody. In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting the immune cell and a second scFv targeting the disease cell. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety targeting an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antagonistic antibody moiety targeting PD-1. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antagonistic antibody moiety targeting CD47. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that specifically binds a ligand of an immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that specifically binds to and antagonizes an immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE is a growth factor or stimulatory cytokine.

In some embodiments, there is provided an immune cell comprising nucleic acid encoding a) a dimeric caTCR comprising an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a target antigen and a TCRM capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, the dimeric caTCR comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain comprising a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM and a second caTCR polypeptide chain comprising a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the first and second TCRDs together form the TCRM, and wherein the antibody moiety is linked to one or both of the first and second TCRDs, the nucleic acid comprising a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain, and a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the second caTCR polypeptide chain; and b) a monomeric SSE capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR, the nucleic acid further comprising an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the monomeric SSE. In some embodiments, the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence is contained in a first vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector), the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence is contained in a second vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector), and the SSE nucleic acid sequence is contained in a third vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector). In some embodiments, some or all of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are contained in the same vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector). In some embodiments, each of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are, individually, operably linked to a promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are under the control of a single promoter. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a first promoter, and the SSE nucleic acid sequence is under the control of a second promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the SSE nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, some or all of the vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors).

In some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell (such as a T cell) expressing on its surface a dimeric caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and expressing or capable of expressing a monomeric SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein, wherein the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises a) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a first caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR; b) a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a second caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR; and c) an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding an SSE polypeptide chain of the SSE, wherein the first and second caTCR polypeptide chains are expressed from the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences to form the caTCR, wherein the SSE polypeptide chain is expressed or capable of being expressed from the SSE nucleic acid to form the SSE, and wherein the caTCR localizes to the surface of the immune cell and the SSE is capable of being secreted from the immune cell. In some embodiments, the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence is contained in a first vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector), the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence is contained in a second vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector), and the SSE nucleic acid sequence is contained in a third vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector). In some embodiments, some or all of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are contained in the same vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector). In some embodiments, each of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are, individually, operably linked to a promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a single promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR are under the control of one or more constitutive promoters. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE is under the control of an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is inducible upon activation of the immune cell. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors). In some embodiments, the immune cell does not express the TCR subunits from which the TCR-TMs of the caTCR are derived. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR δ and γ chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR α and β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is modified to block or decrease the expression of one or both of its endogenous TCR subunits. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell. In some embodiments, some or all of the vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors) integrated into the host genome of the immune cell.

In some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell (such as a T cell) expressing on its surface a dimeric caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and expressing or capable of expressing a monomeric SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein, wherein the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises a) a first vector comprising a first promoter operably linked to a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a first caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR; b) a second vector comprising a second promoter operably linked to a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a second caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR; and c) a third vector comprising a third promoter operably linked to an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding an SSE polypeptide chain of the SSE, wherein the first and second caTCR polypeptide chains are expressed from the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences to form the caTCR and the SSE polypeptide chain is expressed or capable of being expressed from the SSE nucleic acid sequence to form the SSE, and wherein the caTCR localizes to the surface of the immune cell and the SSE is capable of being secreted from the immune cell. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR are under the control of one or more constitutive promoters. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE is under the control of an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is inducible upon activation of the immune cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell does not express the TCR subunits from which the TCR-TMs of the caTCR are derived. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR δ and γ chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR α and β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is modified to block or decrease the expression of one or both of its endogenous TCR subunits. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell. In some embodiments, the first and second vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors) integrated into the host genome of the immune cell.

In some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell (such as a T cell) expressing on its surface a dimeric caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and expressing or capable of expressing a monomeric SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein, wherein the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises a) a first vector comprising i) a first promoter operably linked to a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a first caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR and ii) a second promoter operably linked to a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a second caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR; and b) a second vector comprising a third promoter operably linked to an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding an SSE polypeptide chain of the SSE, wherein the first and second caTCR polypeptide chains are expressed from the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences to form the caTCR and the SSE polypeptide chain is expressed or capable of being expressed from the SSE nucleic acid sequence to form the SSE, and wherein the caTCR localizes to the surface of the immune cell and the SSE is capable of being secreted from the immune cell. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR are under the control of one or more constitutive promoters. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE is under the control of an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is inducible upon activation of the immune cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell does not express the TCR subunits from which the TCR-TMs of the caTCR are derived. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR δ and γ chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR α and β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is modified to block or decrease the expression of one or both of its endogenous TCR subunits. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell. In some embodiments, the first and second vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors) integrated into the host genome of the immune cell. It is to be appreciated that embodiments where any of the nucleic acid sequences are swapped are also contemplated, such as where the first or second caTCR nucleic acid sequence is swapped with the SSE nucleic acid sequence.

In some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell (such as a T cell) expressing on its surface a dimeric caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and expressing or capable of expressing a monomeric SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein, wherein the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises a) a first vector comprising i) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a first caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR and ii) a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a second caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR, wherein the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a first promoter; and b) a second vector comprising a second promoter operably linked to an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding an SSE polypeptide chain of the SSE, wherein the first and second caTCR polypeptide chains are expressed from the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences to form the caTCR and the SSE polypeptide chain is expressed or capable of being expressed from the SSE nucleic acid sequence to form the SSE, and wherein the caTCR localizes to the surface of the immune cell and the SSE is capable of being secreted from the immune cell. In some embodiments, the first promoter is operably linked to the 5′ end of the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence, and there is nucleic acid linker selected from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A) linking the 3′ end of first caTCR nucleic acid sequence to the 5′ end of the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence, wherein the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence and the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the promoter. In some embodiments, the first promoter is operably linked to the 5′ end of the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence, and there is nucleic acid linker selected from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A) linking the 3′ end of second caTCR nucleic acid sequence to the 5′ end of the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence, wherein the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence and the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the promoter. In some embodiments, the first and/or second promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, the first and/or second promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, the first and/or second promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR are under the control of a constitutive promoter. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE is under the control of an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is inducible upon activation of the immune cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell does not express the TCR subunits from which the TCR-TMs of the caTCR are derived. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR δ and γ chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR α and β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is modified to block or decrease the expression of one or both of its endogenous TCR subunits. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector (such as a lentiviral vector) integrated into the host genome of the immune cell. It is to be appreciated that embodiments where any of the nucleic acid sequences are swapped are also contemplated, such as where the first or second caTCR nucleic acid sequence is swapped with the SSE nucleic acid sequence.

In some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell (such as a T cell) expressing on its surface a dimeric caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and expressing or capable of expressing a monomeric SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein, wherein the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises a vector comprising a) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a first caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR; b) a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a second caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR; and c) an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding an SSE polypeptide chain of the SSE, wherein the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the SSE nucleic acid sequence are under the control of a single promoter; wherein the first and second caTCR polypeptide chains are expressed from the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences to form the caTCR and the SSE polypeptide chain is expressed or capable of being expressed from the SSE nucleic acid sequence to form the SSE, and wherein the caTCR localizes to the surface of the immune cell and the SSE is capable of being secreted from the immune cell. In some embodiments, the promoter is operably linked to one of the nucleic acid sequences, which is linked to the other nucleic acid sequences by nucleic acid linkers selected, individually, from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IBES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A), such that the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the SSE nucleic acid sequence are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the promoter. In some embodiments, the promoter is inducible. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is inducible upon activation of the immune cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell does not express the TCR subunits from which the TCR-TMs of the caTCR are derived. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR δ and γ chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR α and β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is modified to block or decrease the expression of one or both of its endogenous TCR subunits. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector (such as a lentiviral vector) integrated into the host genome of the immune cell.

In some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell (such as a T cell) expressing on its surface a dimeric caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and expressing or capable of expressing a monomeric SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein, wherein the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises a vector comprising a) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a first caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR and a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding a second caTCR polypeptide chain of the caTCR, wherein the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a constitutive promoter; and b) an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding an SSE polypeptide chain of the SSE operably linked to an inducible promoter, wherein the first and second caTCR polypeptide chains are expressed from the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences to form the caTCR and the SSE polypeptide chain is expressed or capable of being expressed from the SSE nucleic acid sequence to form the SSE, and wherein the caTCR localizes to the surface of the immune cell and the SSE is capable of being secreted from the immune cell. In some embodiments, the constitutive promoter is operably linked to one of the caTCR nucleic acid sequences, which is linked to the other caTCR nucleic acid sequence by a nucleic acid linker selected from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A), such that the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the constitutive promoter. In some embodiments, the constitutive promoter is an EF1-alpha promoter, or variant thereof. In some embodiments, the EF1-alpha promoter comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is inducible upon activation of the immune cell. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, the immune cell does not express the TCR subunits from which the TCR-TMs of the caTCR are derived. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR δ and γ chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell and the TCR-TMs of the introduced caTCR comprise sequences derived from TCR α and β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is modified to block or decrease the expression of one or both of its endogenous TCR subunits. For example, in some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains, or the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector (such as a lentiviral vector) integrated into the host genome of the immune cell.

Chimeric Antibody/T Cell Receptor (caTCR) Constructs

In one aspect, the target antigen-specific chimeric antibody/T cell receptor (caTCR) described herein specifically binds to a target antigen (such as a cell surface antigen or a peptide/MHC complex) and is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule (such as CD3δε, CD3γε, and/or ζζ). In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises naturally occurring TCR domains. In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises at least one non-naturally occurring TCR domain. The caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that provides the antigen specificity and a T cell receptor module (TCRM) that allows for CD3 recruitment and signaling. The antigen-binding module is not a naturally occurring T cell receptor antigen-binding moiety. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is linked to the amino terminus of a polypeptide chain in the TCRM. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is monospecific. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is multi-specific. The TCRM comprises a transmembrane module derived from the transmembrane domains of one or more TCRs (TCR-TMs), such as an αβ and/or γδ TCR, and optionally further comprises one or both of the connecting peptides or fragments thereof of a TCR and/or one or more TCR intracellular domains or fragments thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM comprises two polypeptide chains, each polypeptide chain comprising, from amino terminus to carboxy terminus, a connecting peptide, a transmembrane domain, and optionally a TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the TCRM comprises one or more non-naturally occurring TCR domains. For example, in some embodiments, the TCRM comprises one or two non-naturally occurring TCR transmembrane domains. A non-naturally occurring TCR domain may be a corresponding domain of a naturally occurring TCR modified by substitution of one or more amino acids, and/or by replacement of a portion of the corresponding domain with a portion of an analogous domain from another TCR. The caTCR may comprise a first polypeptide chain and a second polypeptide chain, wherein the first and second polypeptide chains together form the antigen-binding module and the TCRM. In some embodiments, the first and second polypeptide chains are separate polypeptide chains, and the caTCR is a multimer, such as a dimer. In some embodiments, the first and second polypeptide chains are covalently linked, such as by a peptide linkage, or by another chemical linkage, such as a disulfide linkage. In some embodiments, the first polypeptide chain and the second polypeptide chain are linked by at least one disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises one or more T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequences. The one or more co-stimulatory signaling sequences can be, individually, all or a portion of the intracellular domain of a co-stimulatory molecule including, for example, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more co-stimulatory signaling sequences are between the first TCR-TM and the first TCR intracellular domain and/or between the second TCR-TM and the second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the one or more co-stimulatory signaling sequences are carboxy-terminal to the first TCRD and/or the second TCRD. In some embodiments, the caTCR lacks a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the stabilization module is located between the antigen-binding module and the TCRM. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the spacer module comprises one or more peptide linkers connecting two caTCR modules or domains.

The caTCRs described herein may have one or more features described in this section. It is intended that any of the features for each component of the caTCR (e.g., antigen-binding module, TCRD, TCR-TM, spacer module, stabilization module, T cell co-stimulation sequences, and various linkers etc.) described herein can be combined with each other, with any of the features of the SSE, and with any of the features of the CSR as if each and every combination is individually described.

In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module (such as an antibody moiety) specifically binds to a target antigen with a) an affinity that is at least about 10 (including for example at least about any of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000 or more) times its binding affinity for other molecules; or b) a K_(d) no more than about 1/10 (such as no more than about any of 1/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/75, 1/100, 1/200, 1/300, 1/400, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000 or less) times its K_(d) for binding to other molecules. Binding affinity can be determined by methods known in the art, such as ELISA, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, or radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIA). K_(d) can be determined by methods known in the art, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay utilizing, for example, Biacore instruments, or kinetic exclusion assay (KinExA) utilizing, for example, Sapidyne instruments.

Examples of stabilization domains include an Fc region; a hinge region; a C_(H)3 domain; a C_(H)4 domain; a C_(H)1 or C_(L) domain; a leucine zipper domain (e.g., a jun/fos leucine zipper domain, see, e.g., Kostelney et al, J. Immunol, 148: 1547-1553, 1992; or a yeast GCN4 leucine zipper domain); an isoleucine zipper domain; a dimerizing region of a dimerizing cell-surface receptor (e.g., interleukin-8 receptor (IL-8R); or an integrin heterodimer such as LFA-1 or GPIIIb/IIIa); a dimerizing region of a secreted, dimerizing ligand (e.g., nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), interleukin-8 (IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); see, e.g., Arakawa et al, J. Biol. Chem. 269:27833-27839, 1994, and Radziejewski et al, Biochem. 32: 1350, 1993); a coiled coil dimerization domain (see, for example, WO2014152878; Fletcher et al, ACS Synth. Biol. 1:240-250, 2012; and Thomas et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 135(13):5161-5166, 2013); and a polypeptide comprising at least one cysteine residue (e.g., from about one, two, or three to about ten cysteine residues) such that disulfide bond(s) can form between the polypeptide and a second polypeptide comprising at least one cysteine residue.

In some embodiments, the TCRM described herein comprises a) a first T cell receptor domain (TCRD) comprising a first TCR transmembrane domain (TCR-TM) and b) a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM is derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a T cell receptor (such as an αβ TCR or a γδ TCR) and the second TCR-TM is derived from the other transmembrane domain of the T cell receptor. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising the transmembrane domains of the T cell receptor. Recruitment of TCR-associated signaling molecules can be determined by methods known in the art, such as FACS analysis for TCR-CD3 complex surface expression or co-immunoprecipitation of CD3 subunits with the caTCR.

For example, in some embodiments, the first TCR-TM of a TCRM described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of the TCR α chain (e.g., GenBank Accession No: CCI73895) or a variant thereof and the second TCR-TM of the TCRM comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of the TCR chain (e.g., GenBank Accession No: CCI73893) or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of the TCR δ chain (e.g., GenBank Accession No: AAQ57272) or a variant thereof and the second TCR-TM comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of the TCR γ chain (e.g., GenBank Accession No: AGE91788) or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second TCR-TMs of a TCRM described herein comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the transmembrane domain of a TCR α chain constant domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1) or a variant thereof and the transmembrane domain of a TCR β chain constant domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2) or a variant thereof, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second TCR-TMs comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the transmembrane domain of a TCR δ chain constant domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 3) or a variant thereof and the transmembrane domain of a TCR γ chain constant domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) or a variant thereof, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second TCR-TMs comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6, or variants thereof, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second TCR-TMs comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8, or variants thereof, respectively. Variants of the transmembrane domains include, without limitation, transmembrane domains with one or more amino acid substitutions compared to the reference sequence. In some embodiments, a variant transmembrane domain comprises no more than 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the reference sequence. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first connecting peptide amino-terminal to the transmembrane domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second connecting peptide amino-terminal to the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and/or second connecting peptides comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of all or a portion of the connecting peptide of a TCR α chain constant domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1) or a variant thereof and all or a portion of the connecting peptide of a TCR β chain constant domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2) or a variant thereof, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and/or second connecting peptides comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of all or a portion of the connecting peptide of SEQ ID NO: 27 or 28, or a variant thereof, and all or a portion of the connecting peptide of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 30, or a variant thereof, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and/or second connecting peptides comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of all or a portion of the connecting peptide of a TCR δ chain constant domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 3) or a variant thereof and all or a portion of the connecting peptide of a TCR γ chain constant domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) or a variant thereof, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and/or second connecting peptides comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of all or a portion of the connecting peptide of SEQ ID NO: 31 or 32, or a variant thereof, and all or a portion of the connecting peptide of SEQ ID NO: 33 or 34, or a variant thereof, respectively. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain carboxy-terminal to the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain carboxy-terminal to the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain comprises all or a portion of the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof, and/or the second TCR intracellular domain comprises all or a portion of the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the second TCR intracellular domains comprise any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 17-18, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCRD is a fragment of one chain of a naturally occurring TCR, or a variant thereof, and/or the second TCRD is a fragment of the other chain of the naturally occurring TCR, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCRDs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first and second TCRDs are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second TCRDs are linked by a disulfide bond between a residue in the first connecting peptide and a residue in the second connecting peptide. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting each of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ to form a caTCR-CD3 complex (i.e., promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation).

Contemplated caTCR constructs include, for example, caTCRs that specifically bind to cell surface antigens, caTCRs that specifically bind to cell surface-presented peptide/MHC complexes, and caTCRs that specifically bind to both cell surface antigens and cell surface-presented peptide/MHC complexes.

In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is monospecific. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is multi-specific. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is bispecific. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a tandem scFv, a diabody (Db), a single chain diabody (scDb), a dual-affinity retargeting (DART) antibody, a dual variable domain (DVD) antibody, a chemically cross-linked antibody, a heteromultimeric antibody, or a heteroconjugate antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a tandem scFv comprising two scFvs linked by a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is two scFvs that are not directly linked. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is fully human, semi-synthetic with human antibody framework regions, or humanized.

In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module comprises a first antigen-binding domain comprising a V_(H) antibody domain and a second antigen-binding domain comprising a V_(L) antibody domain. In some embodiments, the V_(H) antibody domain and V_(L) antibody domain CDRs are derived from the same antibody moiety. In some embodiments, some of the V_(H) antibody domain and V_(L) antibody domain CDRs are derived from different antibody moieties. In some embodiments, the V_(H) antibody domain and/or V_(L) antibody domain are human, humanized, chimeric, semi-synthetic, or fully synthetic.

In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety that is semi-synthetic, comprising fully human sequences and one or more synthetic regions. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is a semi-synthetic antibody moiety, comprising a fully human V_(L) and a semi-synthetic V_(H) comprising fully human FR1, HC-CDR1, FR2, HC-CDR2, FR3, and FR4 regions and a synthetic HC-CDR3. In some embodiments, the semi-synthetic V_(H) comprises a fully synthetic HC-CDR3 having a sequence from about 5 to about 25 (such as about any of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25) amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the semi-synthetic V_(H) or the synthetic HC-CDR3 is obtained from a semi-synthetic library (such as a semi-synthetic human library) comprising fully synthetic HC-CDR3 regions having a sequence from about 5 to about 25 (such as about any of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25) amino acids in length, wherein each amino acid in the sequence is, independently from one another, randomly selected from the standard human amino acids, minus cysteine. In some embodiments, the synthetic HC-CDR3 is from about 10 to about 19 (such as about any of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19) amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is a semi-synthetic antibody moiety, comprising a semi-synthetic V_(L) and a semi-synthetic V_(H). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is a fully-synthetic antibody moiety, comprising fixed human V_(H)/V_(L) framework pairings, but randomized and synthetic sequences for all 6 CDRs of both heavy and light chains.

The antigen-binding module in some embodiments is an antibody moiety comprising specific CDR sequences derived from one or more antibody moieties (such as a monoclonal antibody) or certain variants of such sequences comprising one or more amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitutions in the variant sequences do not substantially reduce the ability of the antigen-binding module to bind the target antigen. Alterations that substantially improve target antigen binding affinity or affect some other property, such as specificity and/or cross-reactivity with related variants of the target antigen, are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the stabilization module is derived from an antibody moiety. For example, in some embodiments, the stabilization module comprises a first stabilization domain comprising a C_(H)1 antibody domain or variant thereof and a second stabilization domain comprising a C_(L) antibody domain or variant thereof. In another embodiment, the stabilization module comprises a first stabilization domain comprising a C_(H)3 antibody domain or variant thereof and a second stabilization domain comprising a C_(H)3 antibody domain or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, antibody heavy chain constant domains (e.g., C_(H)1 or C_(H)3) contained in the stabilization module are derived from an IgG (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4), IgA (e.g., IgA1 or IgA2), IgD, IgM, or IgE heavy chain, optionally human. In some embodiments, an antibody heavy chain constant domain (e.g., C_(H)1 or C_(H)3) contained in the stabilization module is a variant comprising one or more modifications (e.g., amino acid substitutions, insertions, and/or deletions) compared to the sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, antibody light chain constant domains (C_(L)) contained in the stabilization module are derived from a kappa or lambda light chain, optionally human. In some embodiments, an antibody light chain constant domain (C_(L)) contained in the stabilization module is a variant comprising one or more modifications (e.g., amino acid substitutions, insertions, and/or deletions) compared to the sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the first and/or second stabilization domains comprise one or more modifications that do not substantially alter their binding affinity for each other. In some embodiments, the first and/or second stabilization domains comprise one or more modifications that increase their binding affinity for each other and/or introduce a non-naturally occurring disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the stabilization module comprises a knob-into-hole modification (see, for example, Carter P. J Immunol Methods. 248:7-15, 2001). For example, in some embodiments, the stabilization module comprises antibody constant domain regions (e.g., C_(H)3 domains) comprising a knob-into-hole modification. In some embodiments, the stabilization module comprises antibody constant domain regions (e.g., C_(H)3 domains) modified by electrostatic steering to enhance their association (see, for example, WO2006106905 and Gunasekaran K, et al. J Biol Chem. 285:19637-46, 2010). In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module described herein linked to a TCRM described herein, optionally including a stabilization module. For example, in the some embodiments, the caTCR comprises the antigen-binding module linked to the N-terminus of one or both of the TCRDs. In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises a stabilization module between a TCRM and an antigen-binding module. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the spacer module comprises one or more peptide linkers between about 5 to about 70 (such as about any of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70, including any ranges between these values) amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises one or more accessory intracellular domains. In some embodiments, the one or more accessory intracellular domains are carboxy-terminal to the first and/or second TCRD. In some embodiments, the one or more accessory intracellular domains are between the first TCR-TM and the first TCR intracellular domain and/or between the second TCR-TM and the second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the one or more accessory intracellular domains comprise, individually, a TCR co-stimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the TCR co-stimulatory domain comprises all or a portion of the intracellular domain of an immune co-stimulatory molecule (such as CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like). In some embodiments, the TCR co-stimulatory domain comprises all or a portion of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 49-51, or a variant thereof.

In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module specifically binds a cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of a protein, a carbohydrate, and a lipid. In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is a disease-associated antigen expressed in a diseased cell. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module specifically binds a complex comprising a peptide and an MEC protein. Peptide/MEC complexes include, for example, a surface-presented complex comprising a peptide derived from a disease-associated antigen expressed in a diseased cell and an MEC protein. In some embodiments, the full-length disease-associated antigen is not normally expressed on the surface of the diseased cell (e.g., the disease-associated antigen is an intracellular or secreted protein). In some embodiments, the disease is cancer and the disease-associated antigen is a tumor-associated antigen expressed in a cancer cell. In some embodiments, the tumor-associated antigen is an oncoprotein. In some embodiments, the oncoprotein is the result of a mutation in a proto-oncogene, and the oncoprotein comprises a neoepitope comprising the mutation. For example, in some embodiments, the antigen-binding module specifically binds a cell surface tumor-associated antigen (e.g., an oncoprotein comprising a neoepitope). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module specifically binds a complex comprising a peptide derived from a tumor-associated antigen (e.g., an oncoprotein comprising a neoepitope) not normally expressed on the surface of a cancer cell (e.g., an intracellular or secreted tumor-associated antigen) and an MEC protein. In some embodiments, the disease is viral infection and the disease-associated antigen is a virus-associated antigen expressed in an infected cell. For example, in some embodiments, the antigen-binding module specifically binds a cell surface virus-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module specifically binds a complex comprising a peptide derived from a virus-associated antigen not normally expressed on the surface of a virus-infected cell (e.g., an intracellular or secreted virus-associated antigen) and an MEC protein. In some embodiments, the caTCR construct binds the target antigen with a K_(d) between about 0.1 pM to about 500 nM (such as about any of 0.1 pM, 1.0 pM, 10 pM, 50 pM, 100 pM, 500 pM, 1 nM, 10 nM, 50 nM, 100 nM, or 500 nM, including any ranges between these values).

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a cell surface antigen, wherein the cell surface antigen is CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, or FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. Specific binding to a full antigen, e.g., a cell surface antigen, is sometimes referred to as “non-MEC-restricted binding”.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a complex comprising a peptide and an MEC protein, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein selected from the group consisting of WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. Specific binding to a complex comprising a peptide and an MEC protein is sometimes referred to as “MEC-restricted binding”.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a complex comprising a peptide derived from a disease-associated antigen (such as a tumor-associated or virally-encoded antigen) and an MEC class I protein, wherein the MHC class I protein is HLA-A, HLA-F, or HLA-G. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is HLA-A, HLA-B, or HLA-C. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is HLA-A. In some embodiments, the MEC class I protein is HLA-B. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is HLA-C. In some embodiments, the MEC class I protein is HLA-A01, HLA-A02, HLA-A03, HLA-A09, HLA-A10, HLA-A11, HLA-A19, HLA-A23, HLA-A24, HLA-A25, HLA-A26, HLA-A28, HLA-A29, HLA-A30, HLA-A31, HLA-A32, HLA-A33, HLA-A34, HLA-A36, HLA-A43, HLA-A66, HLA-A68, HLA-A69, HLA-A74, or HLA-A80. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is HLA-A02. In some embodiments, the MEC class I protein is any one of HLA-A*02:01-555, such as HLA-A*02:01, HLA-A*02:02, HLA-A*02:03, HLA-A*02:04, HLA-A*02:05, HLA-A*02:06, HLA-A*02:07, HLA-A*02:08, HLA-A*02:09, HLA-A*02:10, HLA-A*02:11, HLA-A*02:12, HLA-A*02:13, HLA-A*02:14, HLA-A*02:15, HLA-A*02:16, HLA-A*02:17, HLA-A*02:18, HLA-A*02:19, HLA-A*02:20, HLA-A*02:21, HLA-A*02:22, or HLA-A*02:24. In some embodiments, the MEC class I protein is HLA-A*02:01.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a complex comprising a peptide derived from a disease-associated antigen (such as a tumor-associated or virally-encoded antigen) and an MHC class II protein, wherein the MHC class II protein is HLA-DP, HLA-DQ, or HLA-DR. In some embodiments, the MEC class II protein is HLA-DP. In some embodiments, the MHC class II protein is HLA-DQ. In some embodiments, the MHC class II protein is HLA-DR.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein comprises a) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen, and b) a TCRM comprising first and second TCR-TMs derived from the transmembrane domains of a TCR (such as an αβTCR or a γδTCR), wherein the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is linked to the amino-terminus of one or more polypeptide chains in the TCRM. For example, in some embodiments, the TCRM comprises two polypeptide chains, and the antigen-binding module is linked to the amino-terminus of one or both of the TCRM polypeptide chains. In some embodiments, the first and second TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first and second TCR-TMs are non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the TCRM further comprises at least one connecting peptide or fragment thereof of the TCR amino-terminal to a TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the TCRM further comprises at least one TCR intracellular domain comprising a sequence from an intracellular domain of the TCR carboxy-terminal to a TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the TCRM comprises TCRDs derived from fragments of the TCR chains. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCRDs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40) carboxy-terminal to a TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the caTCR lacks a co-stimulatory signaling sequence. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises a V_(H) antibody domain and a V_(L) antibody domain. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is human, humanized, chimeric, semi-synthetic, or fully synthetic. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the stabilization module comprises at least one disulfide bond linking the stabilization domains. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising the T cell receptor transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the caTCR is a heteromultimer, such as a heterodimer. For example, in some embodiments, the caTCR is a heterodimer comprising a first polypeptide chain comprising the first TCRD and a second polypeptide chain comprising the second TCRD, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second polypeptide chains.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the TCR is an αβ TCR and the first and second TCR-TMs are derived from TCR α and subunit transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the TCR is a γδ TCR and the first and second TCR-TMs are derived from TCR γ and δ subunit transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising the T cell receptor transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a naturally occurring αβ TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the naturally occurring αβ TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising the naturally occurring αβ T cell receptor transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a naturally occurring γδ TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the naturally occurring γδ TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising the naturally occurring γδ T cell receptor transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in the other amino acid sequence, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of a connecting peptide contained in any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of an intracellular domain contained in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of the transmembrane domains contained in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in the other amino acid sequence, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived, and the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, no more than 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequences from which they are derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that in the caTCR it can interact with at least one of the substituted amino acids in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of a connecting peptide contained in any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of an intracellular domain contained in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of the transmembrane domains contained in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in the other amino acid sequence, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of consecutive amino acids from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 4, and the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of consecutive amino acids from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 4. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of no more than about 10 (such as no more than about 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or fewer) consecutive amino acids from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 4. In some embodiments, the chimeric sequence in the first or second TCR-TM is from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 and the chimeric sequence in the other TCR-TM is from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, the chimeric sequence in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that it can interact with the chimeric sequence in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of a connecting peptide contained in any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of an intracellular domain contained in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of the transmembrane domains contained in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in the other amino acid sequence, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of a connecting peptide contained in any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of an intracellular domain contained in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of the transmembrane domains contained in SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in the other amino acid sequence, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived, and the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, no more than 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequences from which they are derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that in the caTCR it can interact with at least one of the substituted amino acids in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of a connecting peptide contained in any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of an intracellular domain contained in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)I and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of the transmembrane domains contained in SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from a transmembrane domain contained in the other amino acid sequence, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of consecutive amino acids from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, and the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of consecutive amino acids from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of no more than about 10 (such as no more than about 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or fewer) consecutive amino acids from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. In some embodiments, the chimeric sequence in the first or second TCR-TM is from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 1 and the chimeric sequence in the other TCR-TM is from a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the chimeric sequence in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that it can interact with the chimeric sequence in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of a connecting peptide contained in any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of an intracellular domain contained in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of the transmembrane domains contained in SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′) 2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other amino acid sequence, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other amino acid sequence, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived, and the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, no more than 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequences from which they are derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that in the caTCR it can interact with at least one of the substituted amino acids in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other amino acid sequence, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of consecutive amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 7 or 8, and the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of consecutive amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 7 or 8. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of no more than about 10 (such as no more than about 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or fewer) consecutive amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 7 or 8. In some embodiments, the chimeric sequence in the first or second TCR-TM is from SEQ ID NO: 7 and the chimeric sequence in the other TCR-TM is from SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the chimeric sequence in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that it can interact with the chimeric sequence in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other amino acid sequence, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other amino acid sequence, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived, and the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, no more than 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequences from which they are derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that in the caTCR it can interact with at least one of the substituted amino acids in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other amino acid sequence, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of consecutive amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 5 or 6, and the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of consecutive amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 5 or 6. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, a chimeric sequence comprising a portion of no more than about 10 (such as no more than about 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or fewer) consecutive amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 5 or 6. In some embodiments, the chimeric sequence in the first or second TCR-TM is from SEQ ID NO: 5 and the chimeric sequence in the other TCR-TM is from SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, the chimeric sequence in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that it can interact with the chimeric sequence in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide and the second connecting peptide each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-16, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain and the second TCR intracellular domain each comprise, independently from one another, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

The different aspects are discussed in various sections below in further detail.

TCR-TM Variants

In some embodiments, the TCR-TMs of a caTCR are derived from a T cell receptor, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. Non-naturally occurring TCR-TMs derived from a T cell receptor include a transmembrane domain from a T cell receptor that has been modified by substitution of one or more amino acids. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal (either in primary sequence or spatially) to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is separated from an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3 by no more than 3 (such as 0, 1, 2, or 3) amino acids. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is separated from an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3 by no more than about 15 (such as no more than about any of 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, or 1) angstroms. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

For example, in some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of an α, β, γ, or δ TCR subunit modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

Thus, in some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of an α TCR subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 1 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 5), modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the α TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues in the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the α TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue in the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

In some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of an a TCR subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5, modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the a TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues in SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the a TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue in SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

In some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of a β TCR subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6), modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the β TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues in the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the β TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue in the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

In some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of a β TCR subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the β TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues in SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the β TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue in SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

In some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of a δ TCR subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7), modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the δ TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues in the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the δ TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue in the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7), modified by one or more substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to the following amino acids in SEQ ID NO: 7: L4, M6, V12, N15, F245, and L25. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 modified by substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to V12 and N15 in SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 modified by one or more substitutions corresponding to the following substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 7: L4C, M6V, V12F, N15S, F245S, and L25S. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 3 modified by substitutions corresponding to V12F and N15S substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-13.

In some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of a δ TCR subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the δ TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues in SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the δ TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue in SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 modified by one or more substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to the following amino acids in SEQ ID NO: 7: L4, M6, V12, N15, F245, and L25. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 modified by substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to V12 and N15 in SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 modified by one or more substitutions corresponding to the following substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 7: L4C, M6V, V12F, N15S, F245S, and L25S. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 modified by substitutions corresponding to V12F and N15S substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9-13.

In some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of a γ TCR subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of a transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8), modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the γ TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues in the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the γ TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue in the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8), modified by one or more substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to the following amino acids in SEQ ID NO: 8: Y1, Y2, M3, L5, L8, V12, V13, F15, A16, I18, C19, C20, and C21. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4 modified by substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to Y2, M3, A16, and I18 in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4 modified by substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to L8, V12, and F15 in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4 modified by one or more substitutions corresponding to the following substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 8: Y1Q, Y2L, Y2I, M3V, M3I, L5C, L8F, V12F, V13Y, F15S, A16V, A16I, I18V, I18L, C19M, C20M, and C21G. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4 modified by substitutions corresponding to Y2L, M3V, A16V, and I18V substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4 modified by substitutions corresponding to Y2I, M3I, A16I, and I18L substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane domain contained in SEQ ID NO: 4 modified by substitutions corresponding to L8F, V12F, and F15S substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 14-26.

In some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring TCR-TM derived from a T cell receptor described herein comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the transmembrane domain of a γ TCR subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8, modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the γ TCR subunit is modified by substitution of no more than 5 amino acid residues in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the γ TCR subunit is modified by substitution of a single amino acid residue in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is substituted with a residue more hydrophobic than the corresponding unsubstituted residue. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3. In some embodiments, each of the substituted amino acids is proximal to an amino acid in the TCRM involved in binding CD3.

In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 modified by one or more substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to the following amino acids in SEQ ID NO: 8: Y1, Y2, M3, L5, L8, V12, V13, F15, A16, I18, C19, C20, and C21. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 modified by substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to Y2, M3, A16, and I18 in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 modified by substitutions (such as substitutions with more hydrophobic residues) in amino acids corresponding to L8, V12, and F15 in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 modified by one or more substitutions corresponding to the following substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 8: Y1Q, Y2L, Y2I, M3V, M3I, L5C, L8F, V12F, V13Y, F15S, A16V, A161, I18V, I18L, C19M, C20M, and C21G. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 modified by substitutions corresponding to Y2L, M3V, A16V, and I18V substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 modified by substitutions corresponding to Y2I, M3I, A161, and I18L substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 modified by substitutions corresponding to L8F, V12F, and F15S substitutions in SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 14-26.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 9-13, and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 14-26, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and second TCR-TM are selected according to any of the caTCRs listed in Table 2. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 31 or 32, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 33 or 34, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the second TCR intracellular domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise antibody domains, such as C_(H)I and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific).

TABLE 2 caTCR First TCR-TM Second TCR-TM ID (δ subunit) (γ subunit) TM0 VLGLRMLFAKTVAV YYMYLLLLLKSVV NFLLTAKLFFL YFAIITCCLL (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 8) TM1 VLGLRMLFAKTVAV YYMYLLLLLKSVV NFLLTAKLFSL YFAIITCCLL (SEQ ID NO: 9) (SEQ ID NO: 8) TM2 VLGLRMLFAKTVAV YYMYLLLLLKSVYY NFLLTAKLFFL FAIITCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 14) TM3 VLGLRMLFAKTVAV YYMYLLLLLKSVVY NFLLTAKLFFL FAIITCGLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 15) TM4 VLGLRMLFAKTVAV YLVYLLLLLKSVVY NFLLTAKLFFL FVIVTCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 16) TM5 VLGLRVLFAKTVAV YLVYLLLLLKSVVY NFLLTAKLFFL FVIVTCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 10) (SEQ ID NO: 16) TM6 VLGLRMLFAKTVAVN YLMYLLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFL FAIITCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 17) TM7 VLGLRMLFAKTVAVN YYVYLLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFL FAIITCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 18) TM8 VLGLRMLFAKTVAVN YYMYLLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFL FVIITCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 19) TM9 VLGLRMLFAKTVAVN YYMYLLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFL FAIVTCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 20) TM10 VLGLRMLFAKTVAVN YYIYLLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFL FAIITCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 21) TM11 VLGLRMLFAKTVAVN YIIYLLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFL FIILTCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 22) TM12 VLGCRMLFAKTVAVN YYMYCLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFL FAIITCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 11) (SEQ ID NO: 23) TM13 VLGLRMLFAKTFAVS YYMYLLLFLKSFVY FLLTAKLFFL SAIITCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 12) (SEQ ID NO: 24) TM14 VLGLRMLFAKTVAVN YYMYLLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFL FAIITMCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 7) (SEQ ID NO: 25) TM15 VLGLRMLFAKTVAVN QYMYLLLLLKSVVY FLLTAKLFFS FAIITCCLLRRTAF (SEQ ID NO: 13) (SEQ ID NO: 26)

Antigen-Binding Modules

In some embodiments, according to any of the caTCRs described herein, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, and a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, where the antibody moiety is a multimer comprising a first antibody moiety chain and a second antibody moiety chain, the caTCR comprises the first TCRD linked to the first or second antibody moiety chain and the second TCRD linked to the other antibody moiety chain. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof.

In some embodiments, according to any of the caTCRs described herein, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety comprising C_(H)1 and C_(L) domains. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain is derived from an IgG (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4) heavy chain, optionally human. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain is a variant comprising one or more modifications (e.g., amino acid substitutions, insertions, and/or deletions) compared to the sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 37-47, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the C_(L) domain is derived from a kappa or lambda light chain, optionally human. In some embodiments, the C_(L) domain is a variant comprising one or more modifications (e.g., amino acid substitutions, insertions, and/or deletions) compared to the sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the C_(L) domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 and/or C_(L) domains comprise one or more modifications that do not substantially alter their binding affinity for each other. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 and/or C_(L) domains comprise one or more modifications that increase their binding affinity for each other and/or introduce a non-naturally occurring disulfide bond.

In some embodiments, according to any of the caTCRs described herein comprising an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a target antigen, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for the target antigen. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD19 (see, e.g., WO2017066136A2). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD19 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD20 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD22 (see, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 62/650,955 filed Mar. 30, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD22 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 79, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPC3 (see, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 62/490,586 filed Apr. 26, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPC3 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for ROR1 (see, e.g., WO2016/187220 and WO2016/187216). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for ROR2 (see, e.g., WO2016/142768). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for BCMA (see, e.g., WO2016/090327 and WO2016/090320). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPRC5D (see, e.g., WO2016/090329 and WO2016/090312). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for FCRL5 (see, e.g., WO2016/090337). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for WT-1 (see, e.g., WO2012/135854, WO2015/070078, and WO2015/070061). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for AFP (see, e.g., WO2016/161390). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for HPV16-E7 (see, e.g., WO2016/182957). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for NY-ESO-1 (see, e.g., WO2016/210365). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for PRAME (see, e.g., WO2016/191246). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for EBV-LMP2A (see, e.g., WO2016/201124). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for KRAS (see, e.g., WO2016/154047). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for PSA (see, e.g., WO2017/015634). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab comprising one Fab chain comprising a V_(H) domain and a C_(H)1 domain, and another Fab chain comprising a V_(L) domain and a C_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 37-47 and/or the C_(L) domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37 and the C_(L) domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48.

caTCR Constructs

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antibody moiety that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antibody moiety is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, and a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the stabilization module is located between the TCRM and the antibody moiety. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 9-13 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 14-26, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antibody moiety that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antibody moiety is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and second TCR-TM are selected according to any of the caTCRs listed in Table 2. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, and a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 31 or 32, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 33 or 34, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the second TCR intracellular domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the first and second TCR-TMs comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8, 9 and 8, 7 and 14, 7 and 15, 7 and 16, 10 and 16, 7 and 17, 7 and 18, 7 and 19, 7 and 20, 7 and 21, 7 and 22, 11 and 23, 12 and 24, 7 and 25, or 13 and 26, respectively, and wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antibody moiety that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antibody moiety is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. For example, in some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an antibody moiety that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antibody moiety is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, and a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 31 or 32, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 33 or 34, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the second TCR intracellular domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first polypeptide chain comprising a first antigen-binding domain comprising a first Fab chain linked to a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a TCR; and b) a second polypeptide chain comprising a second antigen-binding domain comprising a second Fab chain linked to a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein the first and second Fab chains form a Fab-like antigen-binding module that specifically binds the target antigen. In some embodiments, a) the first Fab chain comprises V_(H) and C_(H)1 antibody domains and the second Fab chain comprises V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains; or b) the first Fab chain comprises V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains and the second Fab chain comprises V_(H) and C_(H)1 antibody domains. For example, in some embodiments, the caTCR comprises a) a first polypeptide chain comprising a first Fab chain comprising V_(H) and C_(H)1 antibody domains linked to the first TCRD and b) a second Fab chain comprising V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains linked to the second TCRD. In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises a) a first Fab chain comprising V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains linked to the first TCRD and b) a second Fab chain comprising V_(H) and C_(H)1 antibody domains linked to the second TCRD. In some embodiments, there is a peptide linker between one or both of the TCRDs and their linked Fab chain. In some embodiments, there is a disulfide bond between a residue in the C_(H)1 domain and a residue in the C_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 and/or C_(L) domains comprise one or more modifications that increase the binding affinity of the Fab chains for each other. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 and C_(L) domains are swapped, such that one of the Fab chains comprises V_(H) and C_(L) antibody domains and the other Fab chain comprises V_(L) and C_(H)1 antibody domains. In some embodiments, the Fab-like antigen-binding module specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the Fab-like antigen-binding module specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first or second stabilization domain is located between first TCRD and its linked Fab chain and the other stabilization domain is located between the second TCRD and its linked Fab chain. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first polypeptide chain comprising a first antigen-binding domain comprising a first Fab chain linked to a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 9-13; and b) a second polypeptide chain comprising a second antigen-binding domain comprising a second Fab chain linked to a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 14-26, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein the first and second Fab chains form a Fab-like antigen-binding module that specifically binds the target antigen. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and second TCR-TM are selected according to any of the caTCRs listed in Table 2. In some embodiments, a) the first Fab chain comprises V_(H) and C_(H)1 antibody domains and the second Fab chain comprises V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains; or b) the first Fab chain comprises V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains and the second Fab chain comprises V_(H) and C_(H)1 antibody domains. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 37-47 and/or the C_(L) domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37 and the C_(L) domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, the Fab-like antigen-binding module specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the Fab-like antigen-binding module specifically binds a peptide/MEC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 31 or 32, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 33 or 34, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the second TCR intracellular domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first polypeptide chain comprising a first antigen-binding domain comprising a first Fab chain linked to a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM and a second polypeptide chain comprising a second antigen-binding domain comprising a second Fab chain linked to a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the first and second TCR-TMs comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8, 9 and 8, 7 and 14, 7 and 15, 7 and 16, 10 and 16, 7 and 17, 7 and 18, 7 and 19, 7 and 20, 7 and 21, 7 and 22, 11 and 23, 12 and 24, 7 and 25, or 13 and 26, respectively, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein the first and second Fab chains form a Fab-like antigen-binding module that specifically binds the target antigen. In some embodiments, a) the first Fab chain comprises V_(H) and C_(H)1 antibody domains and the second Fab chain comprises V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains; or b) the first Fab chain comprises V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains and the second Fab chain comprises V_(H) and C_(H)1 antibody domains. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 37-47 and/or the C_(L) domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37 and the C_(L) domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, the Fab-like antigen-binding module specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the Fab-like antigen-binding module specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 31 or 32, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 33 or 34, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the second TCR intracellular domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising T cell receptor transmembrane domains having the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) a Fab′ that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the Fab′ comprises a first Fab′ chain comprising V_(H), C_(H)1, and partial hinge antibody domains and a second Fab′ chain comprising V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains, and wherein the first Fab′ chain is linked to the first or second TCRD and the second Fab′ chain is linked to the other TCRD. In some embodiments, there is a peptide linker between one or both of the TCRDs and their linked Fab′ chain. In some embodiments, there is a disulfide bond between a residue in the C_(H)1 domain and a residue in the C_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 and/or C_(L) domains comprise one or more modifications that increase the binding affinity of the Fab′ chains for each other. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 and C_(L) domains are swapped, such that the first Fab′ chain comprises V_(H), C_(L), and partial hinge antibody domains and the second Fab′ chain comprises V_(L) and C_(H)1 domains. In some embodiments, the Fab′ specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the Fab′ specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first or second stabilization domain is located between first TCRD and its linked Fab′ chain and the other stabilization domain is located between the second TCRD and its linked Fab′ chain. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) a (Fab′)2 that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the (Fab′)2 comprises first and second (Fab′)2 chains comprising V_(H), C_(H)1, and partial hinge antibody domains and third and fourth (Fab′)2 chains comprising V_(L) and C_(L) antibody domains, and wherein the first (Fab′)2 chain is linked to the first or second TCRD and the second (Fab′)2 chain is linked to the other TCRD. In some embodiments, there is a peptide linker between one or both of the TCRDs and their linked (Fab′)2 chain. In some embodiments, there is a disulfide bond between a residue in a C_(H)1 domain and a residue in a C_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 and/or C_(L) domains comprise one or more modifications that increase the binding affinity of the (Fab′)2 chains for each other. In some embodiments, the C_(H)1 and C_(L) domains are swapped, such that the first and second (Fab′)2 chains comprise V_(H), C_(L), and partial hinge antibody domains and the third and fourth (Fab′)2 chains comprise V_(L) and C_(H)1 domains. In some embodiments, the (Fab′)2 specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the (Fab′)2 specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first or second stabilization domain is located between first TCRD and its linked (Fab′)2 chain and the other stabilization domain is located between the second TCRD and its linked (Fab′)2 chain. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) an Fv that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the Fv comprises a first Fv chain comprising a V_(H) antibody domain and a second Fv chain comprising a V_(L) antibody domain, and wherein the first Fv chain is linked to the first or second TCRD and the second Fv chain is linked to the other TCRD. In some embodiments, there is a peptide linker between one or both of the TCRDs and their linked Fv chain. In some embodiments, the Fv specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the Fv specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first or second stabilization domain is located between first TCRD and its linked Fv chain and the other stabilization domain is located between the second TCRD and its linked Fv chain. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) a first scFv that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the first scFv comprises V_(H) and V_(L) antibody domains, and wherein the first scFv is linked to the first or second TCRD. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a second antigen-binding module linked to the first scFv or to the TCRD that is not linked to the first scFv. In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding module specifically binds to the target antigen. In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding module specifically binds to an antigen other than the target antigen. In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding module is a second scFv. In some embodiments, there is a peptide linker between the first scFv and its linked TCRD and/or between the second antigen-binding module and its linked scFv or TCRD. In some embodiments, the scFv specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the scFv specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first or second stabilization domain is located between first scFv and its linked TCRD and the other stabilization domain is linked to the second TCRD. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

In some embodiments, the caTCR described herein specifically binds a target antigen, comprising a) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) a first scFv that specifically binds to the target antigen and a second scFv, wherein the first and second scFvs comprise V_(H) and V_(L) antibody domains, and wherein the first scFv is linked to the first or second TCRD and the second scFv is linked to the other TCRD. In some embodiments, the second TCRD specifically binds to the target antigen. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of the first scFv. In some embodiments, the second scFv specifically binds to an antigen other than the target antigen. In some embodiments, the first and/or second scFvs specifically bind, individually, a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the first and/or second scFvs specifically bind, individually, a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first or second stabilization domain is located between first scFv and its linked TCRD and the other stabilization domain is located between the second scFv and its linked TCRD. In some embodiments, both of the TCR-TMs are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

Multispecific caTCRs

In some embodiments, the caTCR is a multispecific caTCR that specifically binds to two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more) different target antigens or epitopes. In some embodiments, the multispecific caTCR specifically binds to two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more) different target antigens. In some embodiments, the multispecific caTCR specifically binds to two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more) different epitopes on the same target antigen. In some embodiments, the multispecific caTCR comprises an antigen-binding module for each antigen or epitope. In some embodiments, the multispecific caTCR comprises more than two antigen-binding module for at least one antigen or epitope. In some embodiments, the multispecific caTCR comprises a multispecific antigen-binding module comprising two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more) antigen-binding domains each specifically binding to an antigen or epitope. In some embodiments, the multispecific caTCR is bispecific. In some embodiments, the multispecific caTCR is trispecific.

Multi-specific molecules are molecules that have binding specificities for at least two different antigens or epitopes (e.g., bispecific antibodies have binding specificities for two antigens or epitopes). Multi-specific caTCRs with more than two valencies and/or specificities are also contemplated. Bispecific antibodies have been described, e.g., see, Brinkmann U. and Kontermann R. E. (2017) MABS, 9(2), 182-212. Trispecific antibodies can be prepared. See, Tutt et al. J. Immunol. 147: 60 (1991). It is to be appreciated that one of skill in the art could select appropriate features of individual multi-specific molecules known in the art to form a multi-specific caTCR.

In some embodiments, the caTCR (also referred herein as “multispecific caTCR”) comprises: a) a multispecific (e.g., bispecific) antigen-binding module comprising a first antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to a first target antigen and a second antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to a second target antigen; and b) a TCRM comprising a first TCRD (TCRD1) comprising a first TCR-TM and a second TCRD (TCRD2) comprising a second TCR-TM; wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell co-stimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity for each other that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise an antibody moiety, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising the naturally occurring αβ T cell receptor transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, both the first TCR-TM and the second TCR-TM are naturally occurring. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM comprises up to 5 amino acid substitutions (e.g., a single amino acid substitution) compared to the transmembrane domain from which it is derived and/or the second TCR-TM comprises up to 5 amino acid substitutions (e.g., a single amino acid substitution) compared to the transmembrane domain from which it is derived. In some embodiments, a substituted amino acid in the first TCR-TM is proximal to a substituted amino acid in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, one or more substituted amino acids are proximal to an amino acid in the first or second TCR-TM involved in binding to CD3. In some embodiments, one or more (e.g., each) substituted amino acids are more hydrophobic than their corresponding unsubstituted amino acid. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 9-13, and wherein the second TCR-TM comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 14-26.

Exemplary structures of bispecific caTCRs are shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, in which the target antigens are CD19 and CD22, but a skilled person in the art would readily appreciate that bispecific caTCRs targeting other target antigens or epitopes may be prepared using the same structural formats.

For example, dual-variable domains (DVD) derived from DVD IgGs (see, DiGiammarino et al., mAbs 3(5): 487-494) can be used as a bispecific antigen-binding module in the caTCR (FIG. 5A). Various linkers for fusion of the outer variable domain and inner variable domain have been developed and optimized for DVD-Igs, which may be useful in constructing bispecific caTCRs having a DVD module. However, the variable domain stacking approach in DVD modules may affect the folding and target binding affinity of the inner variable domain. The linkers between the two variable domains and the order of the two variable domains may affect the efficacy of the caTCR.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: a) a multispecific (e.g., bispecific) antigen-binding module comprising a Fv that specifically binds to a first target antigen and a Fab that specifically binds to a second target antigen; and b) a TCRM comprising a first TCRD (TCRD1) comprising a first TCR-TM and a second TCRD (TCRD2) comprising a second TCR-TM; wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: (i) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)1-L1-V_(H)2-C_(H)1-TCRD1; and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)1-L2-V_(L)2-C_(L)-TCRD2; (ii) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)1-L 1-V_(L)2-C_(L)-TCRD1; and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)1-L2-V_(H)2-C_(H)1-TCRD2; (iii) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)1-L1-V_(H)2-C_(H)1-TCRD1; and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)1-L2-V_(L)2-C_(L)-TCRD2; or (iv) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)1-L1-V_(L)2-C_(L)-TCRD1; and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)1-L2-V_(H)2-C_(H)1-TCRD2, wherein V_(H)1 and V_(L)1 form a first antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to a first target antigen, and V_(H)2 and V_(L)2 form a second antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to a second target antigen, wherein TCRD1 and TCRD2 form a TCRM that facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein L1 and L2 are peptide linkers. In some embodiments, L1 and/or L2 are about 5 to about 50 (e.g., about 5-10, about 10-15, or about 15-30) amino acids long. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have the same length. In some embodiment, L1 and L2 have the same amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have different lengths. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have different amino acid sequences. An exemplary bispecific caTCR is shown in FIG. 5A.

Cross-over dual variable domains (CODV) derived from CODV-IgGs (see, Steinmetz, et al.; mAbs (2016), 8(5): 867-878) can be used as a bispecific antigen-binding module in the caTCR (FIG. 5B). CODV allows relatively unobstructed antigen-binding sites for each Fv. Various linkers for fusion of the heavy chain and light chain variable regions have been developed and optimized for CODV-Igs, which may be useful in constructing bispecific caTCRs having a CODV module. However, proper folding of the CODV module can be challenging, and long linkers used in the CODV module can be a potential source of immunogenicity and susceptible to proteolytic cleavage.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: a) a multispecific (e.g., bispecific) antigen-binding module comprising a first Fv that specifically binds to a first target antigen and a second Fv that specifically binds to a second target antigen; and b) a TCRM comprising a first TCRD (TCRD1) comprising a first TCR-TM and a second TCRD (TCRD2) comprising a second TCR-TM; wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a C_(H)1 and a C_(L).

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: (i) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)1-L1-V_(H)2-C_(H)1-TCRD1, and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)2-L2-V_(L)1-C_(L)-TCRD2; or (ii) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)1-L1-V_(L)2-C_(L)-TCRD1, and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)2-L2-V_(H)1-C_(H)1-TCRD2, wherein V_(H)1 and V_(L)1 form a first antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to a first target antigen, and V_(H)2 and V_(L)2 form a second antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to a second target antigen, wherein TCRD1 and TCRD2 form a TCRM that facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein L1 and L2 are peptide linkers. In some embodiments, L1 and/or L2 are about 5 to about 50 (e.g., about 5-20, about 15-30, or about 30-50) amino acids long. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have the same length. In some embodiment, L1 and L2 have the same amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have different lengths. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have different amino acid sequences. An exemplary bispecific caTCR is shown in FIG. 5B.

Bispecific antigen-binding modules derived from scFv-fusion proteins, such as those described in Chen et al., mAbs 8(4): 761-774, may be used in a bispecific caTCR (FIG. 5C). Expression of bispecific antibodies having a similar fusion format has demonstrated proper folding and stability of this format. Various linkers for fusion of the scFvs to the constant domains have been developed and optimized for these bispecific antibodies, which may be useful in constructing bispecific caTCRs having a similar scFv fusion domain. However, steric hindrance between the scFvs may compromise binding of the scFvs to their target antigens.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: a) a multispecific (e.g., bispecific) antigen-binding module comprising a first scFv that specifically binds to a first target antigen and a second scFv that specifically binds to a second target antigen; and b) a TCRM comprising a first TCRD (TCRD1) comprising a first TCR-TM and a second TCRD (TCRD2) comprising a second TCR-TM; wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a C_(H)1 and a C_(L).

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: (i) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv1-L1-C_(H)1-TCRD1, and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv2-L2-C_(L)-TCRD2; or (ii) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv2-L1-C_(H)1-TCRD1, and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv1-L2-C_(L)-TCRD2; wherein scFv1 specifically binds to a first target antigen and scFv2 specifically binds to a second target antigen, wherein TCRD1 and TCRD2 form a TCRM that facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein L1 and L2 are peptide linkers. In some embodiments, L1 and/or L2 are about 5 to about 50 (e.g., about 5-10, about 10-15, or about 15-30) amino acids long. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have the same length. In some embodiment, L1 and L2 have the same amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have different lengths. In some embodiments, L1 and L2 have different amino acid sequences. An exemplary bispecific caTCR is shown in FIG. 5C.

Bispecific antigen-binding modules derived from an IgG-scFv bispecific antibody or a Fab-scFv-Fc bispecific antibody may be used in a bispecific caTCR. In one format (FIG. 5D), an scFv is attached to either the V_(H) or V_(L) of a Fab, which allows greater flexibility of the scFv and thus greater access of the Fab to its target antigen. However, the scFv-Fab module may have stability issues. In a second format (FIG. 5E), a Fab is fused to a first TCRD and an scFv is fused to a second TCRD.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: a) a multispecific (e.g., bispecific) antigen-binding module comprising a scFv that specifically binds to a first target antigen and a Fab that specifically binds to a second target antigen; and b) a TCRM comprising a first TCRD (TCRD1) comprising a first TCR-TM and a second TCRD (TCRD2) comprising a second TCR-TM; wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: (i) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv-L1-V_(H)-C_(H)1-TCRD1, and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)-C_(L)-TCRD2; or (ii) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)-C_(H)1-TCRD1, and a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv-L2-V_(L)-C_(L)-TCRD2; wherein the scFv specifically binds to a first target antigen, and the V_(H) and V_(L) form a second antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to a second target antigen, wherein TCRD1 and TCRD2 form a TCRM that facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein L1 and L2 are peptide linkers. In some embodiments, L1 and/or L2 are about 5 to about 50 (e.g., about 5-10, about 10-15, or about 15-30) amino acids long. An exemplary bispecific caTCR is shown in FIG. 5D.

In some embodiments, the caTCR comprises: (i) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)-C_(L)-L1-TCRD1, a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)-C_(H)1, and a third polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv-L2-TCRD2; (ii) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)-C_(H)1-L1-TCRD1, a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)-C_(L), and a third polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv-L2-TCRD2; (iii) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv-L1-TCRD1, a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)-C_(H)1, and a third polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)-C_(L)-L2-TCRD2; or (iv) a first polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: scFv-L1-TCRD1, a second polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(L)-C_(L), and a third polypeptide chain comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: V_(H)-C_(H)1-L2-TCRD2; wherein the scFv specifically binds to a first target antigen, and the V_(H) and V_(L) form a second antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to a second target antigen, wherein TCRD1 and TCRD2 form a TCRM that facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and wherein L1 and L2 are peptide linkers. In some embodiments, L1 and/or L2 are about 5 to about 50 (e.g., about 5-10, about 10-15, or about 15-30) amino acids long. An exemplary bispecific caTCR is shown in FIG. 5E. The length of the peptide linker between the scFv and the TCRD and the length of the peptide linker between the Fab and the TCRD can be optimized as they may affect the accessibility of the scFv and the Fab to their target antigens.

The multispecific antigen-binding module of the multispecific caTCR may specifically bind to any suitable combination of target antigens or epitopes. In some embodiments, the multispecific antigen-binding module specifically binds to at least one cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the at least one cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the multispecific antigen-binding module specifically binds to at least one peptide/MHC complex. In some embodiments, the at least one peptide/MHC complex comprises a peptide derived from a protein selected from the group consisting of WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the multispecific antigen-binding module specifically binds to a first cell surface antigen and a second cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the multispecific antigen-binding module specifically binds to CD19 and CD22. In some embodiments, the multispecific antigen-binding module specifically binds to CD19 and CD20. In some embodiments, the multispecific antigen-binding module specifically binds to a first peptide/MHC complex and a second peptide/MHC complex. In some embodiments, the multispecific antigen-binding module specifically binds a cell surface antigen and a peptide/MHC complex.

Secretory Secondary Effector (SSE) Constructs

The secretory secondary effector (SSE) described herein enhances the immune response mediated by a caTCR plus SSE immune cell in which it is functionally expressed and secreted from. In some embodiments, the SSE is capable of redirecting other immune cells (such as bystander T cells or NK cells) to target disease cells (such as target cancer cells). In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody (such as a bispecific antibody) targeting an immune cell (such as a T cell or NK cell) and a disease cell (such as a cancer cell). In some embodiments, the SSE protects the caTCR plus SSE immune cell from an immunosuppressive environment, such as an immunosuppressive tumor environment. In some embodiments, the SSE provides autocrine activation of stimulatory receptors on the caTCR plus SSE immune cell. In some embodiments, the SSE is an exogenous growth factor or stimulatory cytokine. In some embodiments, the expression of the SSE in the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is inducible. In some embodiments, the expression of the SSE in the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is inducible upon signaling through the caTCR.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody (such as a bispecific antibody) targeting a T cell and a disease cell. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a surface antigen of a T cell. In some embodiments, the T cell surface antigen is CD3. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a disease-associated antigen (such as a cancer-associated antigen). In some embodiments, the disease-associated antigen is a surface antigen of a disease cell (such as a cancer cell). In some embodiments, the disease-associated antigen is glypican-3 (GPC3), CD47, mucin-16 (MUC16), CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody selected from the group consisting of a tandem scFv, a diabody (Db), a single chain diabody (scDb), a dual-affinity retargeting (DART) antibody, and a dual variable domain (DVD) antibody. In some embodiments, the SSE is a bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting the T cell surface antigen and a second scFv targeting the disease-associated antigen.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting CD3 and a second scFv targeting a disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the disease-associated antigen is GPC3, CD47, MUC16, CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3, including variants or mutants thereof.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting CD3 and a second scFv targeting GPC3. In some embodiments, the first scFv targeting CD3 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises a V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60 and a V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises the V_(H) and V_(L) domains connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the V_(H) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the V_(L) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(H) domain. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises the first and second scFvs connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the first scFv is amino-terminal to the second scFv. In some embodiments, the second scFv is amino-terminal to the first scFv. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting CD3 and a second scFv targeting CD47. In some embodiments, the first scFv targeting CD3 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises a V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62 and a V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises the V_(H) and V_(L) domains connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the V_(H) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the V_(L) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(H) domain. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises the first and second scFvs connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the first scFv is amino-terminal to the second scFv. In some embodiments, the second scFv is amino-terminal to the first scFv.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting CD3 and a second scFv targeting MUC16. In some embodiments, the first scFv targeting CD3 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises the CDRs or variable domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for MUC16 (see, e.g., US200405795, US2008311134, US2013171152, and WO16/149368). In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises V_(H) and V_(L) domains connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the V_(H) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(L)domain. In some embodiments, the V_(L) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(H) domain. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises the first and second scFvs connected by a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the first scFv is amino-terminal to the second scFv. In some embodiments, the second scFv is amino-terminal to the first scFv.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody (such as a bispecific antibody) targeting an NK cell and a disease-associated antigen (such as a cancer-associated antigen). In some embodiments, the SSE comprises an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a surface antigen of an NK cell. In some embodiments, the NK cell surface antigen is CD16a. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a disease-associated antigen (such as a cancer-associated antigen). In some embodiments, the disease-associated antigen is a surface antigen of a disease cell (such as a cancer cell). In some embodiments, the disease-associated antigen is GPC3, CD47, MUC16, CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody selected from the group consisting of a tandem scFv, a diabody (Db), a single chain diabody (scDb), a dual-affinity retargeting (DART) antibody, and a dual variable domain (DVD) antibody. In some embodiments, the SSE is a bispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting the NK cell surface antigen and a second scFv targeting the disease-associated antigen.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting CD16a and a second scFv targeting a disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the disease-associated antigen is GPC3, CD47, MUC16, CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3, including variants or mutants thereof.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting CD16a and a second scFv targeting GPC3. In some embodiments, the first scFv comprises the CDRs or variable domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD16a (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises a V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60 and a V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises the V_(H) and V_(L) domains connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the V_(H) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the V_(L) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(H) domain. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises the first and second scFvs connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the first scFv is amino-terminal to the second scFv. In some embodiments, the second scFv is amino-terminal to the first scFv.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting CD16a and a second scFv targeting CD47. In some embodiments, the first scFv comprises the CDRs or variable domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD16a (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises a V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62 and a V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises the V_(H) and V_(L) domains connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the V_(H) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the V_(L) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(H) domain. In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises the first and second scFvs connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the first scFv is amino-terminal to the second scFv. In some embodiments, the second scFv is amino-terminal to the first scFv.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting CD16a and a second scFv targeting MUC16. In some embodiments, the first scFv comprises the CDRs or variable domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD16a (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises the CDRs or variable domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for MUC16 (see, e.g., US200405795, US2008311134, US2013171152, and WO16/149368). In some embodiments, the second scFv comprises V_(H) and V_(L) domains connected by a peptide linker comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the V_(H) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(L) domain. In some embodiments, the V_(L) domain is amino-terminal to the V_(H) domain. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises the first and second scFvs connected by a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the first scFv is amino-terminal to the second scFv. In some embodiments, the second scFv is amino-terminal to the first scFv.

In some embodiments, the SSEs described herein comprises an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a disease-associated antigen, wherein the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for the disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD19 (see, e.g., WO2017066136A2). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD19 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD20 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD22 (see, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 62/650,955 filed Mar. 30, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD22 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 79, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPC3 (see, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 62/490,586 filed Apr. 26, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPC3 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for ROR1 (see, e.g., WO2016/187220 and WO2016/187216). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for ROR2 (see, e.g., WO2016/142768). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for BCMA (see, e.g., WO2016/090327 and WO2016/090320). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPRC5D (see, e.g., WO2016/090329 and WO2016/090312). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for FCRL5 (see, e.g., WO2016/090337). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for WT-1 (see, e.g., WO2012/135854, WO2015/070078, and WO2015/070061). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for AFP (see, e.g., WO2016/161390). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for HPV16-E7 (see, e.g., WO2016/182957). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for NY-ESO-1 (see, e.g., WO2016/210365). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for PRAME (see, e.g., WO2016/191246). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for EBV-LMP2A (see, e.g., WO2016/201124). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for KRAS (see, e.g., WO2016/154047). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for PSA (see, e.g., WO2017/015634). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is an scFv. In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a) a first scFv that specifically binds to a surface antigen of a T cell (such as CD3) or an NK cell (such as CD16a) and b) the antibody moiety, wherein the antibody moiety is a second scFv. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises the first and second scFvs connected by a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the first scFv is amino-terminal to the second scFv. In some embodiments, the second scFv is amino-terminal to the first scFv.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody (such as a bispecific antibody) targeting one or more soluble immunosuppressive agents. Such an SSE can act as a trap to sequester the soluble immunosuppressive agents from their targets, thereby reducing their immunosuppressive effects. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises one or more antibody moieties that specifically bind to one or more soluble immunosuppressive agents. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressive agents are immunosuppressive cytokines. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressive cytokines include TGF-β family members (such as TGF-β1 to 4), IL-4, and IL-10, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody selected from the group consisting of a tandem scFv, a diabody (Db), a single chain diabody (scDb), a dual-affinity retargeting (DART) antibody, and a dual variable domain (DVD) antibody. In some embodiments, the SSE is a bispecific antibody. For example, in some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting a first immunosuppressive cytokine (such as TGFβ) and a second scFv targeting a second immunosuppressive cytokine (such as IL-4).

In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety targeting an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antagonist of an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule is selected from the group consisting of PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, HVEM, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, TIM-3, and A2aR. In some embodiments, the SSE is an agonist of a stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule is selected from the group consisting of CD28, ICOS, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, and CD40. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a full-length antibody, a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is an scFv.

In some embodiments, the SSE is an antagonistic antibody moiety targeting PD-1. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antagonistic antibody moiety specific for PD-1 (see, e.g., WO2016/210129). In some embodiments, the antagonistic antibody moiety is a full-length antibody, a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antagonistic antibody moiety is an scFv.

In some embodiments, the SSE is an antagonistic antibody moiety targeting CD47. In some embodiments, the antagonistic antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antagonistic antibody moiety specific for CD47 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antagonistic antibody moiety is a full-length antibody, a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antagonistic antibody moiety is an scFv. In some embodiments, the antagonistic antibody moiety comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68.

In some embodiments, the SSE comprises an antibody moiety that binds to a target antigen with a) an affinity that is at least about 10 (including for example at least about any of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000 or more) times its binding affinity for other molecules; or b) a K_(d) no more than about 1/10 (such as no more than about any of 1/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/75, 1/100, 1/200, 1/300, 1/400, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000 or less) times its K_(d) for binding to other molecules. Binding affinity can be determined by methods known in the art, such as ELISA, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, or radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIA). K_(d) can be determined by methods known in the art, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay utilizing, for example, Biacore instruments, or kinetic exclusion assay (KinExA) utilizing, for example, Sapidyne instruments.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that specifically binds a ligand of an immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises a ligand-binding domain derived from the extracellular domain of the immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the ligand-binding domain is a portion of the extracellular domain of the receptor. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressive receptor is selected from the group consisting of FasR, TNFR1, TNFR2, SIRPα, PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, CD40, and TIM-3.

In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that specifically binds to and antagonizes an immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises a receptor-binding domain derived from the extracellular domain of a ligand for the immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the receptor-binding domain is a portion of the extracellular domain of the ligand. In some embodiments, the ligand is selected from the group consisting of FasL, PD-L1, PD-L2, CD47, CD80, CD86, ICOSL, HVEM, 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, CD40L, and GAL9.

In some embodiments, the SSE is an exogenous stimulatory cytokine. An exogenous cytokine described herein is a cytokine expressed from an exogenous gene. In some embodiments, the exogenous stimulatory cytokine is an IL-12 family member. In some embodiments, the IL-12 family member is IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, or IL-35. In some embodiments, the exogenous stimulatory cytokine is IL-2, IL-15, IL-18, or IL-21. In some embodiments, the exogenous stimulatory cytokine is capable of providing autocrine activation of receptors for the cytokine on the caTCR plus SSE immune cell.

In some embodiments, the expression of the SSE in the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is inducible. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE is operably linked to an inducible promoter, including any of the inducible promoters described herein. In some embodiments, the expression of the SSE in the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is inducible upon signaling through the caTCR. In some such embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE is operably linked to a promoter or regulatory element responsive to signaling through the caTCR. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE is operably linked to a nuclear-factor of the activated T-cell (NFAT)-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter is an NFAT-derived minimal promoter (see for example Durand, D. et. al., Molec. Cell. Biol. 8, 1715-1724 (1988); Clipstone, N A, Crabtree, G R. Nature. 1992 357(6380): 695-7; Chmielewski, M., et al. Cancer research 71.17 (2011): 5697-5706; and Zhang, L., et al. Molecular therapy 19.4 (2011): 751-759). In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE is operably linked to an IL-2 promoter.

Chimeric Co-Stimulatory Receptor (CSR) Constructs

In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell (such as a T cell) described herein comprises a chimeric co-stimulatory receptor (CSR) comprising: i) a ligand-binding module that is capable of binding or interacting with a target ligand; ii) a transmembrane module; and iii) a co-stimulatory immune cell signaling module that is capable of providing a co-stimulatory signal to the immune cell, wherein the ligand-binding module and the co-stimulatory immune cell signaling module are not derived from the same molecule, and wherein the CSR lacks a functional primary immune cell signaling domain. Such an immune cell is also referred herein as a “caTCR plus SSE and CSR immune cell.”

The ligand-specific chimeric co-stimulatory receptor (CSR) described herein specifically binds to a target ligand (such as a cell surface antigen or a peptide/MHC complex) and is capable of stimulating an immune cell on the surface of which it is functionally expressed upon target ligand binding. The CSR comprises a ligand-binding module that provides the ligand-binding specificity, a transmembrane module, and a co-stimulatory immune cell signaling module that allows for stimulating the immune cell. The CSR lacks a functional primary immune cell signaling sequence. In some embodiments, the CSR lacks any primary immune cell signaling sequence. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a single polypeptide chain comprising the ligand-binding module, transmembrane module, and co-stimulatory signaling module. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a first polypeptide chain and a second polypeptide chain, wherein the first and second polypeptide chains together form the ligand-binding module, transmembrane module, and co-stimulatory signaling module. In some embodiments, the first and second polypeptide chains are separate polypeptide chains, and the CSR is a multimer, such as a dimer. In some embodiments, the first and second polypeptide chains are covalently linked, such as by a peptide linkage, or by another chemical linkage, such as a disulfide linkage. In some embodiments, the first polypeptide chain and the second polypeptide chain are linked by at least one disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the expression of the CSR in the caTCR plus SSE and CSR immune cell is inducible. In some embodiments, the expression of the caTCR plus SSE and CSR immune cell is inducible upon signaling through the caTCR.

Examples of co-stimulatory immune cell signaling domains for use in the CSRs of the invention include the cytoplasmic sequences of co-receptors of the T cell receptor (TCR), which can act in concert with a caTCR to initiate signal transduction following caTCR engagement, as well as any derivative or variant of these sequences and any synthetic sequence that has the same functional capability.

Under some circumstances, signals generated through the TCR alone are insufficient for full activation of the T cell and that a secondary or co-stimulatory signal is also required. Thus, in some embodiments, T cell activation is mediated by two distinct classes of intracellular signaling sequence: those that initiate antigen-dependent primary activation through the TCR (referred to herein as “primary T cell signaling sequences”) and those that act in an antigen-independent manner to provide a secondary or co-stimulatory signal (referred to herein as “co-stimulatory T cell signaling sequences”).

Primary immune cell signaling sequences that act in a stimulatory manner may contain signaling motifs which are known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs or ITAMs. Examples of ITAM-containing primary immune cell signaling sequences include those derived from TCRζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d. A “functional” primary immune cell signaling sequence is a sequence that is capable of transducing an immune cell activation signal when operably coupled to an appropriate receptor. “Non-functional” primary immune cell signaling sequences, which may comprises fragments or variants of primary immune cell signaling sequences, are unable to transduce an immune cell activation signal. The CSRs described herein lack a functional primary immune cell signaling sequence, such as a functional signaling sequence comprising an ITAM. In some embodiments, the CSRs lack any primary immune cell signaling sequence.

The co-stimulatory immune cell signaling sequence can be a portion of the intracellular domain of a co-stimulatory molecule including, for example, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD27, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like.

In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a peptide/MHC complex. In some embodiments, the target ligand is the same as the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is different than the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a molecule presented on the surface of a cell presenting the target antigen. For example, in some embodiments, the target antigen of the caTCR is a cancer-associated antigen presented on a cancer cell, and the target ligand is a ubiquitous molecule expressed on the surface of the cancer cell, such as an integrin. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a disease-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cancer-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is, for example, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, IL4, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, or FCRL5. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is a peptide/MHC complex comprising a peptide derived from a protein including WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, and PSA. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a virus-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the immune checkpoint molecule includes PD-L1, PD-L2, CD80, CD86, ICOSL, B7-H3, B7-H4, HVEM, 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, CD40, and GALS. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an apoptotic molecule. In some embodiments, the apoptotic molecule includes FasL, FasR, TNFR1, and TNFR2.

In some embodiments, the ligand-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, and PSA. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD19 (see, e.g., WO2017066136A2). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD19 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD20 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD22 (see, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 62/650,955 filed Mar. 30, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for CD22 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 79, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPC3 (see, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 62/490,586 filed Apr. 26, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPC3 (e.g., V_(H) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60 and/or V_(L) domain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, or CDRs contained therein). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for ROR1 (see, e.g., WO2016/187220 and WO2016/187216). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for ROR2 (see, e.g., WO2016/142768). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for BCMA (see, e.g., WO2016/090327 and WO2016/090320). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for GPRC5D (see, e.g., WO2016/090329 and WO2016/090312). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for FCRL5 (see, e.g., WO2016/090337). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for WT-1 (see, e.g., WO2012/135854, WO2015/070078, and WO2015/070061). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for AFP (see, e.g., WO2016/161390). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for HPV16-E7 (see, e.g., WO2016/182957). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for NY-ESO-1 (see, e.g., WO2016/210365). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for PRAME (see, e.g., WO2016/191246). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for EBV-LMP2A (see, e.g., WO2016/201124). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for KRAS (see, e.g., WO2016/154047). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises the CDRs or variables domains (V_(H) and/or V_(L) domains) of an antibody moiety specific for PSA (see, e.g., WO2017/015634).

In some embodiments, the ligand-binding module is (or is derived from) all or a portion of the extracellular domain of a receptor for the target ligand. In some embodiments, the receptor includes, for example, FasR, TNFR1, TNFR2, PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, and TIM-3.

In some embodiments, the transmembrane module comprises one or more transmembrane domains derived from, for example, CD28, CD3E, CD3, CD45, CD4, CDS, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, or CD154.

In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling module comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of all or a portion of the intracellular domain of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule including, for example, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling molecule comprises a fragment of CD28 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49 or 80. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling molecule comprises a fragment of 4-1BB comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50 or 81. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling molecule comprises a fragment of OX40 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51 or 82. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling molecule comprises a fragment of CD27 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 84 or 85. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling molecule comprises a fragment of CD30 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86 or 87. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling molecule comprises a fragment of CD8 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83.

In some embodiments, the CSR further comprises a spacer module between any of the ligand-binding module, the transmembrane module, and the co-stimulatory signaling module. In some embodiments, the spacer module comprises one or more peptide linkers connecting two CSR modules. In some embodiments, the spacer module comprises one or more peptide linkers between about 5 to about 70 (such as about any of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70, including any ranges between these values) amino acids in length.

In some embodiments, the ligand-binding module (such as an antibody moiety) specifically binds to a target antigen with a) an affinity that is at least about 10 (including for example at least about any of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000 or more) times its binding affinity for other molecules; or b) a K_(d) no more than about 1/10 (such as no more than about any of 1/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/75, 1/100, 1/200, 1/300, 1/400, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000 or less) times its K_(d) for binding to other molecules. Binding affinity can be determined by methods known in the art, such as ELISA, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, or radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIA). K_(d) can be determined by methods known in the art, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay utilizing, for example, Biacore instruments, or kinetic exclusion assay (KinExA) utilizing, for example, Sapidyne instruments.

In some embodiments, the CSR described herein specifically binds to a target ligand (such as a cell surface antigen or a peptide/MHC complex), comprising a) a target ligand-binding domain (LBD); b) a transmembrane domain; and c) and a co-stimulatory signaling domain, wherein the CSR is capable of stimulating an immune cell on the surface of which it is functionally expressed upon target ligand binding. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a peptide/MHC complex. In some embodiments, the target ligand is the same as the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is different from the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a disease-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cancer-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is, for example, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, IL4, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, or FCRL5. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is a peptide/MHC complex comprising a peptide derived from a protein including WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, and PSA. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a virus-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the immune checkpoint molecule includes PD-L1, PD-L2, CD80, CD86, ICOSL, B7-H3, B7-H4, HVEM, 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, CD40, and GALS. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an apoptotic molecule. In some embodiments, the apoptotic molecule includes FasL, FasR, TNFR1, and TNFR2. In some embodiments, the ligand-binding domain is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the ligand-binding domain is (or is derived from) all or a portion of the extracellular domain of a receptor for the target ligand. In some embodiments, the receptor includes, for example, FasR, TNFR1, TNFR2, PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, and TIM-3. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain derived from a transmembrane protein including, for example, CD28, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, or CD154. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a fragment of a transmembrane protein (fTMP), wherein the fTMP comprises the CSR transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of all or a portion of the intracellular domain of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule including, for example, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a fragment of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule (fCSM), wherein the fCSM comprises the CSR transmembrane domain and CSR co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the CSR further comprises a spacer domain between any of the ligand-binding domain, the transmembrane domain, and the co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the spacer domain comprises a peptide linker connecting two CSR domains.

In some embodiments, the CSR described herein specifically binds to a target ligand, comprising a) a target ligand-binding domain; b) a transmembrane domain; and c) and a co-stimulatory signaling domain, wherein the target ligand is a cell surface antigen, and wherein the CSR is capable of stimulating an immune cell on the surface of which it is functionally expressed upon target ligand binding. In some embodiments, the target ligand is the same as the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is different from the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a disease-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cancer-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is, for example, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, IL4, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, or FCRL5. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a virus-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the immune checkpoint molecule includes PD-L1, PD-L2, CD80, CD86, ICOSL, B7-H3, B7-H4, HVEM, 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, CD40, and GALS. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an apoptotic molecule. In some embodiments, the apoptotic molecule includes FasL, FasR, TNFR1, and TNFR2. In some embodiments, the ligand-binding domain is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the ligand-binding domain is (or is derived from) all or a portion of the extracellular domain of a receptor for the target ligand. In some embodiments, the receptor includes, for example, FasR, TNFR1, TNFR2, PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, and TIM-3. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain derived from a transmembrane protein including, for example, CD28, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, or CD154. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a fragment of a transmembrane protein (fTMP), wherein the fTMP comprises the CSR transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of all or a portion of the intracellular domain of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule including, for example, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a fragment of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule (fCSM), wherein the fCSM comprises the CSR transmembrane domain and CSR co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the CSR further comprises a spacer domain between any of the ligand-binding domain, the transmembrane domain, and the co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the spacer domain comprises a peptide linker connecting two CSR domains.

In some embodiments, the CSR described herein specifically binds to a target ligand, comprising a) a target ligand-binding domain; b) a transmembrane domain; and c) and a co-stimulatory signaling domain, wherein the target ligand is a peptide/MHC complex, and wherein the CSR is capable of stimulating an immune cell on the surface of which it is functionally expressed upon target ligand binding. In some embodiments, the target ligand is the same as the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is different from the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a disease-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cancer-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is a peptide/MHC complex comprising a peptide derived from a protein including WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, and PSA. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a virus-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the ligand-binding domain is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain derived from a transmembrane protein including, for example, CD28, CD3c, CD3, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, or CD154. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a fragment of a transmembrane protein (fTMP), wherein the fTMP comprises the CSR transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of all or a portion of the intracellular domain of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule including, for example, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a fragment of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule (fCSM), wherein the fCSM comprises the CSR transmembrane domain and CSR co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the CSR further comprises a spacer domain between any of the ligand-binding domain, the transmembrane domain, and the co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the spacer domain comprises a peptide linker connecting two CSR domains.

In some embodiments, the CSR described herein specifically binds to a target ligand (such as a cell surface antigen or a peptide/MHC complex), comprising a) a target ligand-binding domain; b) a transmembrane domain; and c) and a co-stimulatory signaling domain, wherein the ligand-binding domain is an antibody moiety, and wherein the CSR is capable of stimulating an immune cell on the surface of which it is functionally expressed upon target ligand binding. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a peptide/MHC complex. In some embodiments, the target ligand is the same as the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is different from the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a disease-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cancer-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is, for example, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, IL4, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, or FCRL5. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is a peptide/MHC complex comprising a peptide derived from a protein including WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, and PSA. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a virus-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the immune checkpoint molecule includes PD-L1, PD-L2, CD80, CD86, ICOSL, B7-H3, B7-H4, HVEM, 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, CD40, and GALS. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an apoptotic molecule. In some embodiments, the apoptotic molecule includes FasL, FasR, TNFR1, and TNFR2. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain derived from a transmembrane protein including, for example, CD28, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, or CD154. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a fragment of a transmembrane protein (fTMP), wherein the fTMP comprises the CSR transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of all or a portion of the intracellular domain of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule including, for example, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises a fragment of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule (fCSM), wherein the fCSM comprises the CSR transmembrane domain and CSR co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the CSR further comprises a spacer domain between any of the ligand-binding domain, the transmembrane domain, and the co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the spacer domain comprises a peptide linker connecting two CSR domains.

In some embodiments, the CSR comprises an fCSM of CD28. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises: a) a target ligand-binding domain; and b) a fragment of CD28 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises: a target ligand-binding domain and a CSR domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 88.

In some embodiments, the CSR described herein specifically binds to a target ligand (such as a cell surface antigen or a peptide/MEC complex), comprising a) a target ligand-binding domain; b) a transmembrane domain; and c) and a co-stimulatory signaling domain, wherein the ligand-binding domain is (or is derived from) all or a portion of the extracellular domain of a receptor for the target ligand, and wherein the CSR is capable of stimulating an immune cell on the surface of which it is functionally expressed upon target ligand binding. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the target ligand is the same as the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is different from the target antigen of a caTCR expressed in the same immune cell. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a disease-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the target ligand is a cancer-associated ligand. In some embodiments, the cancer-associated ligand is, for example, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, IL4, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, or FCRL5. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the immune checkpoint molecule includes PD-L1, PD-L2, CD80, CD86, ICOSL, B7-H3, B7-H4, HVEM, 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, CD40, and GALS. In some embodiments, the target ligand is an apoptotic molecule. In some embodiments, the apoptotic molecule includes FasL, FasR, TNFR1, and TNFR2. In some embodiments, the target ligand receptor includes, for example, FasR, TNFR1, TNFR2, PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, and TIM-3. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain derived from, for example, CD28, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, or CD154. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of all or a portion of the intracellular domain of an immune cell co-stimulatory molecule including, for example, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and the like. In some embodiments, the CSR further comprises a spacer domain between any of the ligand-binding domain, the transmembrane domain, and the co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the spacer domain comprises a peptide linker connecting two CSR domains.

In some embodiments, the CSR described herein specifically binds to CD19, comprising a) an scFv comprising a V_(H) domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76 and a V_(L) domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77; and b) a fragment of CD28 comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49 or 80. In some embodiments, the fragment of CD28 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises, from amino terminus to carboxy terminus, the scFv, a peptide linker, and the fragment of CD28. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 89.

In some embodiments, the CSR described herein specifically binds to GPC3, comprising a) an scFv comprising a V_(H) domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60 and a V_(L) domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61; and b) a fragment of CD28 comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49 or 80. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67. In some embodiments, the fragment of CD28 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises, from amino terminus to carboxy terminus, the scFv, a peptide linker, and the fragment of CD28. In some embodiments, the CSR comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90.

In some embodiments, the expression of the CSR in the caTCR plus SSE and CSR immune cell is inducible. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE and CSR immune cell comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR operably linked to an inducible promoter, including any of the inducible promoters described herein. In some embodiments, the expression of the CSR in the caTCR plus SSE and CSR immune cell is inducible upon signaling through the caTCR. In some such embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE and CSR immune cell comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR operably linked to a promoter or regulatory element responsive to signaling through the caTCR. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR is operably linked to a nuclear-factor of the activated T-cell (NFAT)-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter is an NFAT-derived minimal promoter (see for example Durand, D. et. al., Molec. Cell. Biol. 8, 1715-1724 (1988); Clipstone, N A, Crabtree, G R. Nature. 1992 357(6380): 695-7; Chmielewski, M., et al. Cancer research 71.17 (2011): 5697-5706; and Zhang, L., et al. Molecular therapy 19.4 (2011): 751-759). In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR is operably linked to an IL-2 promoter.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acid molecules encoding the caTCRs, SSEs and/or CSRs described herein are also contemplated. In some embodiments, according to any of the caTCRs, SSEs and CSRs described herein, there is provided a nucleic acid (or a set of nucleic acids) encoding the caTCR, SSE and/or CSR.

The present invention also provides vectors in which a nucleic acid of the present invention is inserted.

In brief summary, the expression of a caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR described herein by a nucleic acid encoding the caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR can be achieved by inserting the nucleic acid into an appropriate expression vector, such that the nucleic acid is operably linked to 5′ and 3′ regulatory elements, including for example a promoter (e.g., a lymphocyte-specific promoter) and a 3′ untranslated region (UTR). The vectors can be suitable for replication and integration in eukaryotic host cells. Typical cloning and expression vectors contain transcription and translation terminators, initiation sequences, and promoters useful for regulation of the expression of the desired nucleic acid sequence.

The nucleic acids of the present invention may also be used for nucleic acid immunization and gene therapy, using standard gene delivery protocols. Methods for gene delivery are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,346, 5,580,859, 5,589,466, incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. In some embodiments, the invention provides a gene therapy vector.

The nucleic acid can be cloned into a number of types of vectors. For example, the nucleic acid can be cloned into a vector including, but not limited to, a plasmid, a phagemid, a phage derivative, an animal virus, and a cosmid. Vectors of particular interest include expression vectors, replication vectors, probe generation vectors, and sequencing vectors.

Further, the expression vector may be provided to a cell in the form of a viral vector. Viral vector technology is well known in the art and is described, for example, in Sambrook et al. (2001, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York), and in other virology and molecular biology manuals. Viruses which are useful as vectors include, but are not limited to, retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses, and lentiviruses. In general, a suitable vector contains an origin of replication functional in at least one organism, a promoter sequence, convenient restriction endonuclease sites, and one or more selectable markers (see, e.g., WO 01/96584; WO 01/29058; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,193).

A number of viral based systems have been developed for gene transfer into mammalian cells. For example, retroviruses provide a convenient platform for gene delivery systems. A selected gene can be inserted into a vector and packaged in retroviral particles using techniques known in the art. The recombinant virus can then be isolated and delivered to cells of the subject either in vivo or ex vivo. A number of retroviral systems are known in the art. In some embodiments, adenovirus vectors are used. A number of adenovirus vectors are known in the art. In some embodiments, lentivirus vectors are used. Vectors derived from retroviruses such as the lentivirus are suitable tools to achieve long-term gene transfer since they allow long-term, stable integration of a transgene and its propagation in daughter cells. Lentiviral vectors have the added advantage over vectors derived from onco-retroviruses such as murine leukemia viruses in that they can transduce non-proliferating cells, such as hepatocytes. They also have the added advantage of low immunogenicity.

Additional promoter elements, e.g., enhancers, regulate the frequency of transcriptional initiation. Typically, these are located in the region 30-110 bp upstream of the start site, although a number of promoters have recently been shown to contain functional elements downstream of the start site as well. The spacing between promoter elements frequently is flexible, so that promoter function is preserved when elements are inverted or moved relative to one another. In the thymidine kinase (tk) promoter, the spacing between promoter elements can be increased to 50 bp apart before activity begins to decline.

One example of a suitable promoter is the immediate early cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter sequence. This promoter sequence is a strong constitutive promoter sequence capable of driving high levels of expression of any polynucleotide sequence operatively linked thereto. Another example of a suitable promoter is Elongation Growth Factor-la (EF-1a). However, other constitutive promoter sequences may also be used, including, but not limited to the simian virus 40 (SV40) early promoter, mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter, MoMuLV promoter, an avian leukemia virus promoter, an Epstein-Barr virus immediate early promoter, a Rous sarcoma virus promoter, as well as human gene promoters such as, but not limited to, the actin promoter, the myosin promoter, the hemoglobin promoter, and the creatine kinase promoter.

Further, the invention should not be limited to the use of constitutive promoters. Inducible promoters are also contemplated as part of the invention. The use of an inducible promoter provides a molecular switch capable of turning on expression of the polynucleotide sequence which it is operatively linked when such expression is desired, or turning off the expression when expression is not desired. Exemplary inducible promoter systems for use in eukaryotic cells include, but are not limited to, hormone-regulated elements (e.g., see Mader, S. and White, J. H. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5603-5607), synthetic ligand-regulated elements (see, e.g., Spencer, D. M. et al 1993) Science 262: 1019-1024) and ionizing radiation-regulated elements (e.g., see Manome, Y. et al. (1993) Biochemistry 32: 10607-10613; Datta, R. et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 1014-10153). Further exemplary inducible promoter systems for use in in vitro or in vivo mammalian systems are reviewed in Gingrich et al. (1998) Annual Rev. Neurosci 21:377-405.

An exemplary inducible promoter system for use in the present invention is the Tet system. Such systems are based on the Tet system described by Gossen et al. (1993). In an exemplary embodiment, a polynucleotide of interest is under the control of a promoter that comprises one or more Tet operator (TetO) sites. In the inactive state, Tet repressor (TetR) will bind to the TetO sites and repress transcription from the promoter. In the active state, e.g., in the presence of an inducing agent such as tetracycline (Tc), anhydrotetracycline, doxycycline (Dox), or an active analog thereof, the inducing agent causes release of TetR from TetO, thereby allowing transcription to take place. Doxycycline is a member of the tetracycline family of antibiotics having the chemical name of 1-dimethylamino-2,4a,5,7,12-pentahydroxy-11-methyl-4,6-dioxo-1,4a,11,11a,12,12a-hexahydrotetracene-3-carboxamide.

In one embodiment, a TetR is codon-optimized for expression in mammalian cells, e.g., murine or human cells. Most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, allowing for substantial variations in the nucleotide sequence of a given nucleic acid without any alteration in the amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleic acid. However, many organisms display differences in codon usage, also known as “codon bias” (i.e., bias for use of a particular codon(s) for a given amino acid). Codon bias often correlates with the presence of a predominant species of tRNA for a particular codon, which in turn increases efficiency of mRNA translation. Accordingly, a coding sequence derived from a particular organism (e.g., a prokaryote) may be tailored for improved expression in a different organism (e.g., a eukaryote) through codon optimization.

Other specific variations of the Tet system include the following “Tet-Off” and “Tet-On” systems. In the Tet-Off system, transcription is inactive in the presence of Tc or Dox. In that system, a tetracycline-controlled transactivator protein (tTA), which is composed of TetR fused to the strong transactivating domain of VP16 from Herpes simplex virus, regulates expression of a target nucleic acid that is under transcriptional control of a tetracycline-responsive promoter element (TRE). The TRE is made up of TetO sequence concatamers fused to a promoter (commonly the minimal promoter sequence derived from the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) immediate-early promoter). In the absence of Tc or Dox, tTA binds to the TRE and activates transcription of the target gene. In the presence of Tc or Dox, tTA cannot bind to the TRE, and expression from the target gene remains inactive.

Conversely, in the Tet-On system, transcription is active in the presence of Tc or Dox. The Tet-On system is based on a reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator, rtTA. Like tTA, rtTA is a fusion protein comprised of the TetR repressor and the VP16 transactivation domain. However, a four amino acid change in the TetR DNA binding moiety alters rtTA's binding characteristics such that it can only recognize the tetO sequences in the TRE of the target transgene in the presence of Dox. Thus, in the Tet-On system, transcription of the TRE-regulated target gene is stimulated by rtTA only in the presence of Dox.

Another inducible promoter system is the lac repressor system from E. coli. (See, Brown et al., Cell 49:603-612 (1987). The lac repressor system functions by regulating transcription of a polynucleotide of interest operably linked to a promoter comprising the lac operator (lacO). The lac repressor (lacR) binds to LacO, thus preventing transcription of the polynucleotide of interest. Expression of the polynucleotide of interest is induced by a suitable inducing agent, e.g., isopropyl-3-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG).

Another exemplary inducible promoter system for use in the present invention is the nuclear-factor of the activated T-cell (NFAT) system. The NFAT family of transcription factors are important regulators of T cell activation. NFAT response elements are found, for example, in the IL-2 promoter (see for example Durand, D. et. al., Molec. Cell. Biol. 8, 1715-1724 (1988); Clipstone, N A, Crabtree, G R. Nature. 1992 357(6380): 695-7; Chmielewski, M., et al. Cancer research 71.17 (2011): 5697-5706; and Zhang, L., et al. Molecular therapy 19.4 (2011): 751-759). In some embodiments, an inducible promoter described herein comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) NFAT response elements. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises 6 NFAT response elements, for example, comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72. In some embodiments, an inducible promoter described herein comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) NFAT response elements linked to a minimal promoter, such as a minimal TA promoter. In some embodiments, the minimal TA promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.

In order to assess the expression of a polypeptide or portions thereof, the expression vector to be introduced into a cell can also contain either a selectable marker gene or a reporter gene or both to facilitate identification and selection of expressing cells from the population of cells sought to be transfected or infected through viral vectors. In other aspects, the selectable marker may be carried on a separate piece of DNA and used in a co-transfection procedure. Both selectable markers and reporter genes may be flanked with appropriate regulatory sequences to enable expression in the host cells. Useful selectable markers include, for example, antibiotic-resistance genes, such as neo and the like.

Reporter genes are used for identifying potentially transfected cells and for evaluating the functionality of regulatory sequences. In general, a reporter gene is a gene that is not present in or expressed by the recipient organism or tissue and that encodes a polypeptide whose expression is manifested by some easily detectable property, e.g., enzymatic activity. Expression of the reporter gene is assayed at a suitable time after the DNA has been introduced into the recipient cells. Suitable reporter genes may include genes encoding luciferase, β-galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, secreted alkaline phosphatase, or the green fluorescent protein gene (e.g., Ui-Tel et al., 2000 FEBS Letters 479: 79-82). Suitable expression systems are well known and may be prepared using known techniques or obtained commercially. In general, the construct with the minimal 5′ flanking region showing the highest level of expression of reporter gene is identified as the promoter. Such promoter regions may be linked to a reporter gene and used to evaluate agents for the ability to modulate promoter-driven transcription.

In some embodiments, there is provided nucleic acid encoding a caTCR and/or an SSE and/or a CSR according to any of the caTCRs, SSEs and CSRs described herein. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding all of the polypeptide chains of the caTCR. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding all of the polypeptide chains of the SSE. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding all of the polypeptide chains of the caTCR and the SSE. In some embodiments, each of the one or more nucleic acid sequences are contained in separate vectors. In some embodiments, at least some of the nucleic acid sequences are contained in the same vector. In some embodiments, all of the nucleic acid sequences are contained in the same vector. Vectors may be selected, for example, from the group consisting of mammalian expression vectors and viral vectors (such as those derived from retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses, and lentiviruses).

For example, in some embodiments, the caTCR is a dimer comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain and a second caTCR polypeptide chain and the SSE is a monomer comprising a single SSE polypeptide chain, and the nucleic acid encoding the caTCR comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain, a second nucleic acid encoding the second caTCR chain, and a third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE polypeptide chain. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence is contained in a first vector, the second nucleic acid sequence is contained in a second vector, and the third nucleic acid sequence is contained in a third vector. In some embodiments, the first and second nucleic acid sequences are contained in a first vector, and the third nucleic acid sequence is contained in a second vector. In some embodiments, the first and third nucleic acid sequences are contained in a first vector, and the second nucleic acid sequence is contained in a second vector. In some embodiments, the second and third nucleic acid sequences are contained in a first vector, and the first nucleic acid sequence is contained in a second vector. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third nucleic acid sequences are contained in the same vector. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence is under the control of a first promoter, the second nucleic acid sequence is under the control of a second promoter, and the third nucleic acid sequence is under the control of a third promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the first, second, and third promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the first, second, and third promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the first, second, and third nucleic acid sequences are expressed as a single transcript under the control of a single promoter in a multicistronic vector. See for example Kim, J H, et al., PLoS One 6(4):e18556, 2011. In some embodiments, one or more of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE polypeptide chain is operably linked to an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation, such as NFAT response elements.

In some embodiments, one or more of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR are under the control of a constitutive promoter. In some embodiments, one or more of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR are operably linked to an EF1-alpha promoter. In some embodiments, the EF1-alpha promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75. In some embodiments, one or more of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the SSE are under the control of an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, one or more of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the SSE are operably linked to an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, some or all of the first, second, and third nucleic acid sequences have similar (such as substantially or about the same) expression levels in a host cell (such as a T cell).

In some embodiments, some of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR have expression levels in a host cell (such as a T cell) that differ by at least about two (such as at least about any of 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) times. Expression can be determined at the mRNA or protein level. The level of mRNA expression can be determined by measuring the amount of mRNA transcribed from the nucleic acid using various well-known methods, including Northern blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, microarray analysis and the like. The level of protein expression can be measured by known methods including immunocytochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot analysis, luminescent assays, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the like.

It is to be understood that the features of the embodiments described herein can be adapted and combined to encompass embodiments comprising any number of nucleic acid sequences, e.g., where the nucleic acid encoding the caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR comprises five or more nucleic acid sequences (e.g., where the caTCR and SSE each comprises 2 or more distinct polypeptide chains).

Thus, in some embodiments, there is provided nucleic acid encoding a) a dimeric caTCR comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain and a second caTCR polypeptide chain according to any of the caTCRs described herein, the nucleic acid comprising i) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain, and ii) a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the second caTCR polypeptide chain; and b) a monomeric SSE comprising a single SSE polypeptide chain according to any of the SSEs described herein, the nucleic acid further comprising an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE polypeptide chain. In some embodiments, the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence is contained in a first vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector), the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence is contained in a second vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector), and the SSE nucleic acid sequence is contained in a third vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector). In some embodiments, some or all of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are contained in the same vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector). In some embodiments, each of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are, individually, operably linked to a promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the SSE nucleic acid sequence are under the control of a single promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the SSE nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the SSE nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors).

In some embodiments, there is provided a) a first vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector) comprising nucleic acid encoding a dimeric caTCR comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain and a second caTCR polypeptide chain according to any of the caTCRs described herein comprising i) a first promoter operably linked to a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain; and ii) a second promoter operably linked to a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the second caTCR polypeptide chain; and b) a second vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector) comprising nucleic acid encoding a monomeric SSE comprising an SSE polypeptide chain according to any of the SSEs described herein comprising a third promoter operably linked to an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE polypeptide chain. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the third promoter is an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the third promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the first and/or second vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors).

In some embodiments, there is provided a) a first vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector) comprising nucleic acid encoding a dimeric caTCR comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain and a second caTCR polypeptide chain according to any of the caTCRs described herein comprising i) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain; and ii) a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the second caTCR polypeptide chain, wherein the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a first promoter; and b) a second vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector) comprising nucleic acid encoding a monomeric SSE comprising an SSE polypeptide chain according to any of the SSEs described herein comprising a second promoter operably linked to an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE polypeptide chain. In some embodiments, the first promoter is operably linked to the 5′ end of the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence, and there is nucleic acid linker selected from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A) linking the 3′ end of first caTCR nucleic acid sequence to the 5′ end of the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence, wherein the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence and the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the first promoter. In some embodiments, the first promoter is operably linked to the 5′ end of the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence, and there is nucleic acid linker selected from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A) linking the 3′ end of second caTCR nucleic acid sequence to the 5′ end of the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence, wherein the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence and the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the first promoter. In some embodiments, the first and/or second promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the second promoter is an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the second promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, the first and/or second vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors). It is to be appreciated that embodiments where any of the nucleic acid sequences are swapped are also contemplated, such as where the first or second caTCR nucleic acid sequence is swapped with the SSE nucleic acid sequence.

In some embodiments, there is provided a vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector) comprising a) nucleic acid encoding a dimeric caTCR comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain and a second caTCR polypeptide chain according to any of the caTCRs described herein comprising i) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain; and ii) a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the second caTCR polypeptide chain; and b) nucleic acid encoding a monomeric SSE comprising an SSE polypeptide chain according to any of the SSEs described herein comprising an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE polypeptide chain, wherein the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a first promoter, and wherein the SSE nucleic acid sequence is under the control of a second promoter. In some embodiments, the first promoter is operably linked to one of the caTCR nucleic acid sequences, which is linked to the other caTCR nucleic acid sequence by a nucleic acid linker selected from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A), such that the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the first promoter. In some embodiments, the first and/or second promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the second promoter is an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the second promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector (such as a lentiviral vector).

In some embodiments, there is provided a vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector) comprising a) nucleic acid encoding a dimeric caTCR comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain and a second caTCR polypeptide chain according to any of the caTCRs described herein comprising i) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain; and ii) a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the second caTCR polypeptide chain; and b) nucleic acid encoding a monomeric SSE comprising an SSE polypeptide chain according to any of the SSEs described herein comprising an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE polypeptide chain, wherein the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the SSE nucleic acid sequence are under the control of a single promoter. In some embodiments, the promoter is operably linked to one of the nucleic acid sequences, which is linked to the other nucleic acid sequences by nucleic acid linkers selected, individually, from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A), such that the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and the SSE nucleic acid sequence are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the promoter. In some embodiments, the promoter is inducible. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector (such as a lentiviral vector).

In some embodiments, there is provided a vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector) comprising a) nucleic acid encoding a dimeric caTCR comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain and a second caTCR polypeptide chain according to any of the caTCRs described herein comprising i) a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain; and ii) a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the second caTCR polypeptide chain, wherein the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a constitutive promoter; and b) nucleic acid encoding a tandem scFv bispecific SSE comprising an SSE polypeptide chain according to any of the tandem scFv bispecific SSEs described herein comprising an inducible promoter operably linked to an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE polypeptide chain. In some embodiments, the constitutive promoter is operably linked to one of the caTCR nucleic acid sequences, which is linked to the other caTCR nucleic acid sequence by a nucleic acid linker selected from the group consisting of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and a nucleic acid encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as P2A, T2A, E2A, or F2A), such that the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence and the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence are transcribed as a single RNA under the control of the constitutive promoter. In some embodiments, the constitutive promoter is an EF1-alpha promoter, or variant thereof. In some embodiments, the EF1-alpha promoter comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, the first and/or second vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors). In some embodiments, the caTCR targets an MHC-restricted AFP peptide presented on the surface of a cell, and the SSE targets CD3 and GPC3.

In some embodiments, there is provided nucleic acid encoding a) a dimeric caTCR comprising an antibody moiety that specifically binds to a target antigen and a TCRM capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, the dimeric caTCR comprising a first caTCR polypeptide chain comprising a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM and a second caTCR polypeptide chain comprising a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the first and second TCRDs together form the TCRM, and wherein the antibody moiety is linked to one or both of the first and second TCRDs, the nucleic acid comprising a first caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the first caTCR polypeptide chain, and a second caTCR nucleic acid sequence encoding the second caTCR polypeptide chain; and b) a monomeric SSE capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR, the nucleic acid further comprising an SSE nucleic acid sequence encoding the monomeric SSE. In some embodiments, the first caTCR nucleic acid sequence is contained in a first vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector), the second caTCR nucleic acid sequence is contained in a second vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector), and the SSE nucleic acid sequence is contained in a third vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector). In some embodiments, some or all of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are contained in the same vector (such as a viral vector, e.g., a lentiviral vector). In some embodiments, each of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are, individually, operably linked to a promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences and SSE nucleic acid sequence are under the control of a single promoter. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second caTCR nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a first promoter, and the SSE nucleic acid sequence is under the control of a second promoter. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have the same sequence. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters have different sequences. In some embodiments, some or all of the promoters are inducible. In some embodiments, the SSE nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter comprises one or more elements responsive to immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the inducible promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter. In some embodiments, the NFAT-derived promoter comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, some or all of the vectors are viral vectors (such as lentiviral vectors). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety of the caTCR is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, and a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific). In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a cell surface antigen including, without limitation, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD47, GPC-3, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, and FCRL5, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety specifically binds a peptide/MHC complex, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein including, without limitation, WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody (such as a bispecific antibody, e.g., a tandem scFv) targeting an immune cell (such as a T cell or NK cell) and a disease cell (such as a cancer cell). In some embodiments, the SSE comprises a first antibody moiety (e.g., a first scFv) targeting CD3 or CD16a, and a second antibody moiety (e.g., a second scFv) targeting GPC3, CD47, MUC16, CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody selected from the group consisting of a tandem scFv, a diabody (Db), a single chain diabody (scDb), a dual-affinity retargeting (DART) antibody, and a dual variable domain (DVD) antibody. In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting the immune cell and a second scFv targeting the disease cell. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety targeting an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antagonistic antibody moiety targeting PD-1. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that specifically binds a ligand of an immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that specifically binds to and antagonizes an immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE is a growth factor or stimulatory cytokine.

Methods of introducing and expressing genes into a cell are known in the art. In the context of an expression vector, the vector can be readily introduced into a host cell, e.g., mammalian, bacterial, yeast, or insect cell by any method in the art. For example, the expression vector can be transferred into a host cell by physical, chemical, or biological means.

Physical methods for introducing a polynucleotide into a host cell include calcium phosphate precipitation, lipofection, particle bombardment, microinjection, electroporation, and the like. Methods for producing cells comprising vectors and/or exogenous nucleic acids are well-known in the art. See, for example, Sambrook et al. (2001, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York). In some embodiments, the introduction of a polynucleotide into a host cell is carried out by calcium phosphate transfection.

Biological methods for introducing a polynucleotide of interest into a host cell include the use of DNA and RNA vectors. Viral vectors, and especially retroviral vectors, have become the most widely used method for inserting genes into mammalian, e.g., human, cells. Other viral vectors can be derived from lentivirus, poxviruses, herpes simplex virus 1, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses, and the like. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,350,674 and 5,585,362.

Chemical means for introducing a polynucleotide into a host cell include colloidal dispersion systems, such as macromolecule complexes, nanocapsules, microspheres, beads, and lipid-based systems including oil-in-water emulsions, micelles, mixed micelles, and liposomes. An exemplary colloidal system for use as a delivery vehicle in vitro and in vivo is a liposome (e.g., an artificial membrane vesicle).

In the case where a non-viral delivery system is utilized, an exemplary delivery vehicle is a liposome. The use of lipid formulations is contemplated for the introduction of the nucleic acids into a host cell (in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo). In another aspect, the nucleic acid may be associated with a lipid. The nucleic acid associated with a lipid may be encapsulated in the aqueous interior of a liposome, interspersed within the lipid bilayer of a liposome, attached to a liposome via a linking molecule that is associated with both the liposome and the oligonucleotide, entrapped in a liposome, complexed with a liposome, dispersed in a solution containing a lipid, mixed with a lipid, combined with a lipid, contained as a suspension in a lipid, contained or complexed with a micelle, or otherwise associated with a lipid. Lipid, lipid/DNA or lipid/expression vector associated compositions are not limited to any particular structure in solution. For example, they may be present in a bilayer structure, as micelles, or with a “collapsed” structure. They may also simply be interspersed in a solution, possibly forming aggregates that are not uniform in size or shape. Lipids are fatty substances which may be naturally occurring or synthetic lipids. For example, lipids include the fatty droplets that naturally occur in the cytoplasm as well as the class of compounds which contain long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, such as fatty acids, alcohols, amines, amino alcohols, and aldehydes.

Regardless of the method used to introduce exogenous nucleic acids into a host cell or otherwise expose a cell to the inhibitor of the present invention, in order to confirm the presence of the recombinant DNA sequence in the host cell, a variety of assays may be performed. Such assays include, for example, “molecular biological” assays well known to those of skill in the art, such as Southern and Northern blotting, RT-PCR and PCR; “biochemical” assays, such as detecting the presence or absence of a particular peptide, e.g., by immunological means (ELISAs and Western blots) or by assays described herein to identify agents falling within the scope of the invention.

Preparation of caTCRs, SSEs and CSRs

In some embodiments, according to any of the caTCRs, SSEs and CSRs described herein comprising an antibody moiety, the antibody moiety (e.g., Fab, Fab′, (Fab′)2, Fv, or scFv) comprises sequences derived from a monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety comprises V_(H) and V_(L) domains, or variants thereof, from the monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety further comprises C_(H)1 and C_(L) domains, or variants thereof, from the monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared, e.g., using hybridoma methods, such as those described by Kohler and Milstein, Nature, 256:495 (1975) and Sergeeva et al., Blood, 117(16):4262-4272.

In a hybridoma method, a hamster, mouse, or other appropriate host animal is typically immunized with an immunizing agent to elicit lymphocytes that produce or are capable of producing antibodies that will specifically bind to the immunizing agent. Alternatively, the lymphocytes can be immunized in vitro. The immunizing agent can include a polypeptide or a fusion protein of the protein of interest, or a complex comprising at least two molecules, such as a complex comprising a peptide and an MHC protein. Generally, peripheral blood lymphocytes (“PBLs”) are used if cells of human origin are desired, or spleen cells or lymph node cells are used if non-human mammalian sources are desired. The lymphocytes are then fused with an immortalized cell line using a suitable fusing agent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell. See, e.g., Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice (New York: Academic Press, 1986), pp. 59-103. Immortalized cell lines are usually transformed mammalian cells, particularly myeloma cells of rodent, bovine, and human origin. Usually, rat or mouse myeloma cell lines are employed. The hybridoma cells can be cultured in a suitable culture medium that preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the unfused, immortalized cells. For example, if the parental cells lack the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT or HPRT), the culture medium for the hybridomas typically will include hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine (“HAT medium”), which prevents the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells.

In some embodiments, the immortalized cell lines fuse efficiently, support stable high-level expression of antibody by the selected antibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a medium such as HAT medium. In some embodiments, the immortalized cell lines are murine myeloma lines, which can be obtained, for instance, from the Salk Institute Cell Distribution Center, San Diego, Calif. and the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va. Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines also have been described for the production of human monoclonal antibodies. Kozbor, J. Immunol., 133:3001 (1984); Brodeur et al. Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications (Marcel Dekker, Inc.: New York, 1987) pp. 51-63.

The culture medium in which the hybridoma cells are cultured can then be assayed for the presence of monoclonal antibodies directed against the polypeptide. The binding specificity of monoclonal antibodies produced by the hybridoma cells can be determined by immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding assay, such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Such techniques and assays are known in the art. The binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can, for example, be determined by the Scatchard analysis of Munson and Pollard, Anal. Biochem., 107:220 (1980).

After the desired hybridoma cells are identified, the clones can be sub-cloned by limiting dilution procedures and grown by standard methods. Goding, supra. Suitable culture media for this purpose include, for example, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium and RPMI-1640 medium. Alternatively, the hybridoma cells can be grown in vivo as ascites in a mammal.

The monoclonal antibodies secreted by the sub-clones can be isolated or purified from the culture medium or ascites fluid by conventional immunoglobulin purification procedures such as, for example, protein A-Sepharose, hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, or affinity chromatography.

In some embodiments, according to any of the caTCRs, SSEs, and CSRs described herein comprising an antibody moiety, the antibody moiety comprises sequences from a clone selected from an antibody moiety library (such as a phage library presenting scFv or Fab fragments). The clone may be identified by screening combinatorial libraries for antibody fragments with the desired activity or activities. For example, a variety of methods are known in the art for generating phage display libraries and screening such libraries for antibodies possessing the desired binding characteristics. Such methods are reviewed, e.g., in Hoogenboom et al., Methods in Molecular Biology 178:1-37 (O'Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, N.J., 2001) and further described, e.g., in McCafferty et al., Nature 348:552-554; Clackson et al., Nature 352: 624-628 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol. 222: 581-597 (1992); Marks and Bradbury, Methods in Molecular Biology 248:161-175 (Lo, ed., Human Press, Totowa, N.J., 2003); Sidhu et al., J Mol. Biol. 338(2): 299-310 (2004); Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol. 340(5): 1073-1093 (2004); Fellouse, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101(34): 12467-12472 (2004); and Lee et al., J. Immunol. Methods 284(1-2): 119-132(2004).

In certain phage display methods, repertoires of V_(H) and V_(L) genes are separately cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and recombined randomly in phage libraries, which can then be screened for antigen-binding phage as described in Winter et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol., 12: 433-455 (1994). Phage typically display antibody fragments, either as single-chain Fv (scFv) fragments or as Fab fragments. Libraries from immunized sources provide high-affinity antibodies to the immunogen without the requirement of constructing hybridomas. Alternatively, the naive repertoire can be cloned (e.g., from human) to provide a single source of antibodies to a wide range of non-self and also self-antigens without any immunization as described by Griffiths et al., EMBO J, 12: 725-734 (1993). Finally, naive libraries can also be made synthetically by cloning unrearranged V-gene segments from stem cells, and using PCR primers containing random sequence to encode the highly variable CDR3 regions and to accomplish rearrangement in vitro, as described by Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227: 381-388 (1992). Patent publications describing human antibody phage libraries include, for example: U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,373, and US Patent Publication Nos. 2005/0079574, 2005/0119455, 2005/0266000, 2007/0117126, 2007/0160598, 2007/0237764, 2007/0292936, and 2009/0002360.

The antibody moiety can be prepared using phage display to screen libraries for antibodies specific to the target antigen (such as a peptide/MHC class I/11 complex or a cell surface antigen). The library can be a human scFv phage display library having a diversity of at least one×10⁹ (such as at least about any of 1×10⁹, 2.5×10⁹, 5×10⁹, 7.5×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 2.5×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰, 7.5×10¹⁰, or 1×10¹¹) unique human antibody fragments. In some embodiments, the library is a naïve human library constructed from DNA extracted from human PMBCs and spleens from healthy donors, encompassing all human heavy and light chain subfamilies. In some embodiments, the library is a naïve human library constructed from DNA extracted from PBMCs isolated from patients with various diseases, such as patients with autoimmune diseases, cancer patients, and patients with infectious diseases. In some embodiments, the library is a semi-synthetic human library, wherein heavy chain CDR3 is completely randomized, with all amino acids (with the exception of cysteine) equally likely to be present at any given position (see, e.g., Hoet, R. M. et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 23(3):344-348, 2005). In some embodiments, the heavy chain CDR3 of the semi-synthetic human library has a length from about 5 to about 24 (such as about any of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24) amino acids. In some embodiments, the library is a fully-synthetic phage display library. In some embodiments, the library is a non-human phage display library.

Phage clones that bind to the target antigen with high affinity can be selected by iterative binding of phage to the target antigen, which is bound to a solid support (such as, for example, beads for solution panning or mammalian cells for cell panning), followed by removal of non-bound phage and by elution of specifically bound phage. In an example of solution panning, the target antigen can be biotinylated for immobilization to a solid support. The biotinylated target antigen is mixed with the phage library and a solid support, such as streptavidin-conjugated Dynabeads M-280, and then target antigen-phage-bead complexes are isolated. The bound phage clones are then eluted and used to infect an appropriate host cell, such as E. coli XL1-Blue, for expression and purification. In an example of cell panning, T2 cells (a TAP-deficient, HLA-A*02:01⁺ lymphoblast cell line) loaded with an AFP peptide are mixed with the phage library, after which the cells are collected and the bound clones are eluted and used to infect an appropriate host cell for expression and purification. The panning can be performed for multiple (such as about any of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) rounds with either solution panning, cell panning, or a combination of both, to enrich for phage clones binding specifically to the target antigen. Enriched phage clones can be tested for specific binding to the target antigen by any methods known in the art, including for example ELISA and FACS.

Human and Humanized Antibody Moieties

The caTCR, SSE and CSR antibody moieties can be human or humanized. Humanized forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibody moieties are chimeric immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin chains, or fragments thereof (such as Fv, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, scFv, or other antigen-binding subsequences of antibodies) that typically contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. Humanized antibody moieties include human immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin chains, or fragments thereof (recipient antibody) in which residues from a CDR of the recipient are replaced by residues from a CDR of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat, or rabbit having the desired specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some instances, Fv framework residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Humanized antibody moieties can also comprise residues that are found neither in the recipient antibody moiety nor in the imported CDR or framework sequences. In general, the humanized antibody moiety can comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the CDR regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin, and all or substantially all of the FR regions are those of a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence. See, e.g., Jones et al., Nature, 321: 522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature, 332: 323-329 (1988); Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol., 2:593-596 (1992).

Generally, a humanized antibody moiety has one or more amino acid residues introduced into it from a source that is non-human. These non-human amino acid residues are often referred to as “import” residues, which are typically taken from an “import” variable domain. According to some embodiments, humanization can be essentially performed following the method of Winter and co-workers (Jones et al., Nature, 321: 522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature, 332: 323-327 (1988); Verhoeyen et al., Science, 239: 1534-1536 (1988)), by substituting rodent CDRs or CDR sequences for the corresponding sequences of a human antibody moiety. Accordingly, such “humanized” antibody moieties are antibody moieties (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567), wherein substantially less than an intact human variable domain has been substituted by the corresponding sequence from a non-human species. In practice, humanized antibody moieties are typically human antibody moieties in which some CDR residues and possibly some FR residues are substituted by residues from analogous sites in rodent antibodies.

As an alternative to humanization, human antibody moieties can be generated. For example, it is now possible to produce transgenic animals (e.g., mice) that are capable, upon immunization, of producing a full repertoire of human antibodies in the absence of endogenous immunoglobulin production. For example, it has been described that the homozygous deletion of the antibody heavy-chain joining region (JH) gene in chimeric and germ-line mutant mice results in complete inhibition of endogenous antibody production. Transfer of the human germ-line immunoglobulin gene array into such germ-line mutant mice will result in the production of human antibodies upon antigen challenge. See, e.g., Jakobovits et al., PNAS USA, 90:2551 (1993); Jakobovits et al., Nature, 362:255-258 (1993); Bruggemann et al., Year in Immunol., 7:33 (1993); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,806, 5,569,825, 5,591,669; 5,545,807; and WO 97/17852. Alternatively, human antibodies can be made by introducing human immunoglobulin loci into transgenic animals, e.g., mice in which the endogenous immunoglobulin genes have been partially or completely inactivated. Upon challenge, human antibody production is observed that closely resembles that seen in humans in all respects, including gene rearrangement, assembly, and antibody repertoire. This approach is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,807; 5,545,806; 5,569,825; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; and 5,661,016, and Marks et al., Bio/Technology, 10: 779-783 (1992); Lonberg et al., Nature, 368: 856-859 (1994); Morrison, Nature, 368: 812-813 (1994); Fishwild et al., Nature Biotechnology, 14: 845-851 (1996); Neuberger, Nature Biotechnology, 14: 826 (1996); Lonberg and Huszar, Intern. Rev. Immunol., 13: 65-93 (1995).

Human antibodies may also be generated by in vitro activated B cells (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,567,610 and 5,229,275) or by using various techniques known in the art, including phage display libraries. Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227:381 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol., 222:581 (1991). The techniques of Cole et al. and Boerner et al. are also available for the preparation of human monoclonal antibodies. Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, p. 77 (1985) and Boerner et al., J. Immunol., 147(1): 86-95 (1991).

Additional Variants

In some embodiments, amino acid sequence variants of the antigen-binding modules provided herein are contemplated. For example, it may be desirable to improve the binding affinity and/or other biological properties of the antigen-binding module. Amino acid sequence variants of an antigen-binding module may be prepared by introducing appropriate modifications into the nucleotide sequence encoding the antigen-binding module, or by peptide synthesis. Such modifications include, for example, deletions from, and/or insertions into and/or substitutions of residues within the amino acid sequences of the antigen-binding module. Any combination of deletion, insertion, and substitution can be made to arrive at the final construct, provided that the final construct possesses the desired characteristics, e.g., antigen-binding.

In some embodiments, antigen-binding module variants having one or more amino acid substitutions are provided. Sites of interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the HVRs and FRs of antibody moieties. Amino acid substitutions may be introduced into an antigen-binding module of interest and the products screened for a desired activity, e.g., retained/improved antigen binding or decreased immunogenicity.

Conservative substitutions are shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 4 CONSERVATIVE SUBSTITITIONS Original Preferred Residue Exemplary Substitutions Substitutions Ala (A) Val; Leu; Ile Val Arg (R) Lys; Gln; Asn Lys Asn (N) Gln; His; Asp, Lys; Arg Gln Asp (D) Glu; Asn Glu Cys (C) Ser; Ala Ser Gln (Q) Asn; Glu Asn Glu (E) Asp; Gln Asp Gly (G) Ala Ala His (H) Asn; Gln; Lys; Arg Arg Ile (I) Leu; Val; Met; Ala; Phe; Norleucine Leu Leu (L) Norleucine; Ile; Val; Met; Ala; Phe Ile Lys (K) Arg; Gln; Asn Arg Met (M) Leu; Phe; Ile Leu Phe (F) Trp; Leu; Val; Ile; Ala; Tyr Tyr Pro (P) Ala Ala Ser (S) Thr Thr Thr (T) Val; Ser Ser Trp (W) Tyr; Phe Tyr Tyr (Y) Trp; Phe; Thr; Ser Phe Val (V) Ile; Leu; Met; Phe; Ala; Norleucine Leu

Amino acids may be grouped into different classes according to common side-chain properties:

a. hydrophobic: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile;

b. neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln;

c. acidic: Asp, Glu;

d. basic: His, Lys, Arg;

e. residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro;

f. aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe.

Non-conservative substitutions will entail exchanging a member of one of these classes for another class.

An exemplary substitutional variant is an affinity matured antibody moiety, which may be conveniently generated, e.g., using phage display-based affinity maturation techniques. Briefly, one or more CDR residues are mutated and the variant antibody moieties displayed on phage and screened for a particular biological activity (e.g., binding affinity). Alterations (e.g., substitutions) may be made in HVRs, e.g., to improve antibody moiety affinity. Such alterations may be made in HVR “hotspots,” i.e., residues encoded by codons that undergo mutation at high frequency during the somatic maturation process (see, e.g., Chowdhury, Methods Mol. Biol. 207:179-196 (2008)), and/or specificity determining residues (SDRs), with the resulting variant V_(H) or V_(L) being tested for binding affinity. Affinity maturation by constructing and reselecting from secondary libraries has been described, e.g., in Hoogenboom et al. in Methods in Molecular Biology 178:1-37 (O'Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, N.J., (2001).)

In some embodiments of affinity maturation, diversity is introduced into the variable genes chosen for maturation by any of a variety of methods (e.g., error-prone PCR, chain shuffling, or oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis). A secondary library is then created. The library is then screened to identify any antibody moiety variants with the desired affinity. Another method to introduce diversity involves HVR-directed approaches, in which several HVR residues (e.g., 4-6 residues at a time) are randomized. HVR residues involved in antigen binding may be specifically identified, e.g., using alanine scanning mutagenesis or modeling. CDR-H3 and CDR-L3 in particular are often targeted.

In some embodiments, substitutions, insertions, or deletions may occur within one or more HVRs so long as such alterations do not substantially reduce the ability of the antibody moiety to bind antigen. For example, conservative alterations (e.g., conservative substitutions as provided herein) that do not substantially reduce binding affinity may be made in HVRs. Such alterations may be outside of HVR “hotspots” or SDRs. In some embodiments of the variant V_(H) and V_(L) sequences provided above, each HVR either is unaltered, or contains no more than one, two or three amino acid substitutions.

A useful method for identification of residues or regions of an antigen-binding module that may be targeted for mutagenesis is called “alanine scanning mutagenesis” as described by Cunningham and Wells (1989) Science, 244:1081-1085. In this method, a residue or group of target residues (e.g., charged residues such as arg, asp, his, lys, and glu) are identified and replaced by a neutral or negatively charged amino acid (e.g., alanine or polyalanine) to determine whether the interaction of the antigen-binding module with antigen is affected. Further substitutions may be introduced at the amino acid locations demonstrating functional sensitivity to the initial substitutions. Alternatively, or additionally, a crystal structure of an antigen-antigen-binding module complex can be determined to identify contact points between the antigen-binding module and antigen. Such contact residues and neighboring residues may be targeted or eliminated as candidates for substitution. Variants may be screened to determine whether they contain the desired properties.

Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues. Examples of terminal insertions include an antigen-binding module with an N-terminal methionyl residue. Other insertional variants of the antigen-binding module include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the antigen-binding module to an enzyme (e.g., for ADEPT) or a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antigen-binding module.

Derivatives

In some embodiments, a caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and/or an SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein and/or a CSR according to any of the CSRs described herein may be further modified to contain additional nonproteinaceous moieties that are known in the art and readily available. The moieties suitable for derivatization of the caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR include but are not limited to water soluble polymers. Non-limiting examples of water soluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), copolymers of ethylene glycol/propylene glycol, carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly-1,3-dioxolane, poly-1,3,6-trioxane, ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer, polyaminoacids (either homopolymers or random copolymers), and dextran or poly(n-vinyl pyrrolidone)polyethylene glycol, propropylene glycol homopolymers, prolypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide co-polymers, polyoxyethylated polyols (e.g., glycerol), polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. Polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde may have advantages in manufacturing due to its stability in water. The polymer may be of any molecular weight, and may be branched or unbranched. The number of polymers attached to the caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR may vary, and if more than one polymer are attached, they can be the same or different molecules. In general, the number and/or type of polymers used for derivatization can be determined based on considerations including, but not limited to, the particular properties or functions of the caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR to be improved, whether the caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR derivative will be used in a therapy under defined conditions, etc.

In some embodiments, conjugates of a caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR and nonproteinaceous moiety that may be selectively heated by exposure to radiation are provided. In some embodiments, the nonproteinaceous moiety is a carbon nanotube (Kam et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102: 11600-11605 (2005)). The radiation may be of any wavelength, and includes, but is not limited to, wavelengths that do not harm ordinary cells, but which heat the nonproteinaceous moiety to a temperature at which cells proximal to the caTCR- and/or SSE- and/or CSR-nonproteinaceous moiety are killed.

Preparation of caTCR Plus SSE Immune Cells

The present invention in one aspect provides immune cells (such as lymphocytes, for example T cells) expressing a caTCR and an SSE according to any of the embodiments described herein. Exemplary methods of preparing immune cells (such as T cells) expressing a caTCR and an SSE (caTCR plus SSE immune cells, such as caTCR plus SSE T cells) are provided herein.

In some embodiments, a caTCR plus SSE immune cell (such as a caTCR plus SSE T cell) can be generated by introducing one or more nucleic acids (including for example a lentiviral vector) encoding a caTCR (such as any of the caTCRs described herein) that specifically binds to a target antigen (such as a disease-associated antigen) and an SSE (such as any of the SSEs described herein). The introduction of the one or more nucleic acids into the immune cell can be accomplished using techniques known in the art, such as those described herein for Nucleic Acids. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells (such as caTCR plus SSE T cells) of the invention are able to replicate in vivo, resulting in long-term persistence that can lead to sustained control of a disease associated with expression of the target antigen (such as cancer or viral infection).

In some embodiments, the invention relates to administering a genetically modified T cell expressing a caTCR that specifically binds to a target antigen according to any of the caTCRs described herein and an SSE capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR according to any of the SSEs described herein for the treatment of a patient having or at risk of developing a disease and/or disorder associated with expression of the target antigen (also referred to herein as a “target antigen-positive” or “TA-positive” disease or disorder), including, for example, cancer or viral infection, using lymphocyte infusion. In some embodiments, autologous lymphocyte infusion is used in the treatment. Autologous PBMCs are collected from a patient in need of treatment and T cells are activated and expanded using the methods described herein and known in the art and then infused back into the patient.

In some embodiments, there is provided a T cell expressing a caTCR that specifically binds to a target antigen according to any of the caTCRs described herein and expressing or capable of expressing an SSE that is capable of being secreted from the T cell (also referred to herein as an “caTCR plus SSE T cell”). The caTCR plus SSE T cells of the invention can undergo robust in vivo T cell expansion and can establish target antigen-specific memory cells that persist at high levels for an extended amount of time in blood and bone marrow. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE T cells of the invention infused into a patient can eliminate target antigen-presenting cells, such as target antigen-presenting cancer or virally-infected cells, in vivo in patients having a target antigen-associated disease. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE T cells of the invention infused into a patient can eliminate target antigen-presenting cells, such as target antigen-presenting cancer or virally-infected cells, in vivo in patients having a target antigen-associated disease that is refractory to at least one conventional treatment.

Prior to expansion and genetic modification of the T cells, a source of T cells is obtained from a subject. T cells can be obtained from a number of sources, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, cord blood, thymus tissue, tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion, spleen tissue, and tumors. In some embodiments of the present invention, any number of T cell lines available in the art may be used. In some embodiments of the present invention, T cells can be obtained from a unit of blood collected from a subject using any number of techniques known to the skilled artisan, such as FICOLL™ separation. In some embodiments, cells from the circulating blood of an individual are obtained by apheresis. The apheresis product typically contains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. In some embodiments, the cells collected by apheresis may be washed to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing steps. In some embodiments, the cells are washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In some embodiments, the wash solution lacks calcium and may lack magnesium or may lack many if not all divalent cations. As those of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate a washing step may be accomplished by methods known to those in the art, such as by using a semi-automated “flow-through” centrifuge (for example, the Cobe 2991 cell processor, the Baxter CytoMate, or the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After washing, the cells may be resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers, such as Ca²⁺-free, Mg²⁺-free PBS, PlasmaLyte A, or other saline solutions with or without buffer. Alternatively, the undesirable components of the apheresis sample may be removed and the cells directly resuspended in culture media.

In some embodiments, T cells are isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes by lysing the red blood cells and depleting the monocytes, for example, by centrifugation through a PERCOLL™ gradient or by counterflow centrifugal elutriation. A specific subpopulation of T cells, such as CD3⁺, CD28⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD45RA⁺, and CD45RO⁺ T cells, can be further isolated by positive or negative selection techniques. For example, in some embodiments, T cells are isolated by incubation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 (i.e., 3×28)-conjugated beads, such as DYNABEADS® M-450 CD3/CD28 T, for a time period sufficient for positive selection of the desired T cells. In some embodiments, the time period is about 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the time period ranges from 30 minutes to 36 hours or longer (including all ranges between these values). In some embodiments, the time period is at least one, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 hours. In some embodiments, the time period is 10 to 24 hours. In some embodiments, the incubation time period is 24 hours. For isolation of T cells from patients with leukemia, use of longer incubation times, such as 24 hours, can increase cell yield. Longer incubation times may be used to isolate T cells in any situation where there are few T cells as compared to other cell types, such as in isolating tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from tumor tissue or from immune-compromised individuals. Further, use of longer incubation times can increase the efficiency of capture of CD8⁺ T cells. Thus, by simply shortening or lengthening the time T cells are allowed to bind to the CD3/CD28 beads and/or by increasing or decreasing the ratio of beads to T cells, subpopulations of T cells can be preferentially selected for or against at culture initiation or at other time points during the process. Additionally, by increasing or decreasing the ratio of anti-CD3 and/or anti-CD28 antibodies on the beads or other surface, subpopulations of T cells can be preferentially selected for or against at culture initiation or at other desired time points. The skilled artisan would recognize that multiple rounds of selection can also be used in the context of this invention. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to perform the selection procedure and use the “unselected” cells in the activation and expansion process. “Unselected” cells can also be subjected to further rounds of selection.

Enrichment of a T cell population by negative selection can be accomplished with a combination of antibodies directed to surface markers unique to the negatively selected cells. One method is cell sorting and/or selection via negative magnetic immunoadherence or flow cytometry that uses a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies directed to cell surface markers present on the cells negatively selected. For example, to enrich for CD4+ cells by negative selection, a monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies to CD 14, CD20, CD11 b, CD 16, HLA-DR, and CD8. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to enrich for or positively select for regulatory T cells which typically express CD4⁺, CD25⁺, CD62Lhi, GITR⁺, and FoxP3⁺. Alternatively, in some embodiments, T regulatory cells are depleted by anti-CD25 conjugated beads or other similar methods of selection.

For isolation of a desired population of cells by positive or negative selection, the concentration of cells and surface (e.g., particles such as beads) can be varied. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to significantly decrease the volume in which beads and cells are mixed together (i.e., increase the concentration of cells), to ensure maximum contact of cells and beads. For example, in some embodiments, a concentration of about 2 billion cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, a concentration of about 1 billion cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, greater than about 100 million cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, a concentration of cells of about any of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 million cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, a concentration of cells of about any of 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, a concentration of about 125 or about 150 million cells/ml is used. Using high concentrations can result in increased cell yield, cell activation, and cell expansion. Further, use of high cell concentrations allows more efficient capture of cells that may weakly express target antigens of interest, such as CD28-negative T cells, or from samples where there are many tumor cells present (i.e., leukemic blood, tumor tissue, etc.). Such populations of cells may have therapeutic value and would be desirable to obtain. For example, using high concentration of cells allows more efficient selection of CD8⁺ T cells that normally have weaker CD28 expression.

In some embodiments of the present invention, T cells are obtained from a patient directly following treatment. In this regard, it has been observed that following certain cancer treatments, in particular treatments with drugs that damage the immune system, shortly after treatment during the period when patients would normally be recovering from the treatment, the quality of T cells obtained may be optimal or improved for their ability to expand ex vivo. Likewise, following ex vivo manipulation using the methods described herein, these cells may be in a preferred state for enhanced engraftment and in vivo expansion. Thus, it is contemplated within the context of the present invention to collect blood cells, including T cells, dendritic cells, or other cells of the hematopoietic lineage, during this recovery phase. Further, in some embodiments, mobilization (for example, mobilization with GM-CSF) and conditioning regimens can be used to create a condition in a subject wherein repopulation, recirculation, regeneration, and/or expansion of particular cell types is favored, especially during a defined window of time following therapy. Illustrative cell types include T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and other cells of the immune system.

Whether prior to or after genetic modification of the T cells to express a desirable caTCR, SSE and optionally CSR, the T cells can be activated and expanded generally using methods as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,352,694; 6,534,055; 6,905,680; 6,692,964; 5,858,358; 6,887,466; 6,905,681; 7,144,575; 7,067,318; 7,172,869; 7,232,566; 7,175,843; 5,883,223; 6,905,874; 6,797,514; 6,867,041; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060121005.

Generally, the T cells of the invention are expanded by contact with a surface having attached thereto an agent that stimulates a CD3/TCR complex associated signal and a ligand that stimulates a costimulatory molecule on the surface of the T cells. In particular, T cell populations may be stimulated, such as by contact with an anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or an anti-CD2 antibody immobilized on a surface, or by contact with a protein kinase C activator (e.g., bryostatin) in conjunction with a calcium ionophore. For co-stimulation of an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells, a ligand that binds the accessory molecule is used. For example, a population of T cells can be contacted with an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD28 antibody, under conditions appropriate for stimulating proliferation of the T cells. To stimulate proliferation of either CD4⁺ T cells or CD8⁺ T cells, an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD28 antibody. Examples of an anti-CD28 antibody include 9.3, B-T3, XR-CD28 (Diaclone, Besançon, France) can be used as can other methods commonly known in the art (Berg et al., Transplant Proc. 30(8):3975-3977, 1998; Haanen et al., J. Exp. Med. 190(9):13191328, 1999; Garland et al., J. Immunol. Meth. 227(1-2):53-63, 1999).

Genetic Modification

In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells (such as caTCR plus SSE T cells) of the invention are generated by transducing immune cells (such as T cells prepared by the methods described herein) with one or more viral vectors encoding a caTCR as described herein and an SSE as described herein. Viral vector delivery systems include DNA and RNA viruses, which have either episomal or integrated genomes after delivery to the immune cell. For a review of gene therapy procedures, see Anderson, Science 256:808-813 (1992); Nabel & Feigner, TIB IECH 11:211-217 (1993); Mitani & Caskey, TIBTECH 11:162-166 (1993); Dillon, TIBTECH 11: 167-175 (1993); Miller, Nature 357:455-460 (1992); Van Brunt, Biotechnology 6(10): 1149-1154 (1988); Vigne, Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience 8:35-36 (1995); Kremer & Perricaudet, British Medical Bulletin 51(1):31-44 (1995); and Yu et al., Gene Therapy 1:13-26 (1994). In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell comprises the one or more vectors integrated into the caTCR plus SSE immune cell genome. In some embodiments, the one or more viral vectors are lentiviral vectors. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is a caTCR plus SSE T cell comprising the lentiviral vectors integrated into its genome.

In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is a T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of one or both of its endogenous TCR chains. For example, in some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains, or the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. Modifications of cells to disrupt gene expression include any such techniques known in the art, including for example RNA interference (e.g., siRNA, shRNA, miRNA), gene editing (e.g., CRISPR- or TALEN-based gene knockout), and the like.

In some embodiments, caTCR plus SSE T cells with reduced expression of one or both of the endogenous TCR chains of the T cell are generated using the CRISPR/Cas system. For a review of the CRISPR/Cas system of gene editing, see for example Jian W & Marraffini L A, Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 69, 2015; Hsu P D et al., Cell, 157(6):1262-1278, 2014; and O'Connell M R et al., Nature Volume: 516:Pages:263-266, 2014. In some embodiments, caTCR plus SSE T cells with reduced expression of one or both of the endogenous TCR chains of the T cell are generated using TALEN-based genome editing.

Enrichment

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of enriching a heterogeneous cell population for a caTCR plus SSE immune cell according to any of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells described herein.

A specific subpopulation of caTCR plus SSE immune cells (such as caTCR plus SSE T cells) that specifically bind to a target antigen can be enriched for by positive selection techniques. For example, in some embodiments, caTCR plus SSE immune cells (such as caTCR plus SSE T cells) are enriched for by incubation with target antigen-conjugated beads for a time period sufficient for positive selection of the desired caTCR plus SSE immune cells. In some embodiments, the time period is about 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the time period ranges from 30 minutes to 36 hours or longer (including all ranges between these values). In some embodiments, the time period is at least one, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 hours. In some embodiments, the time period is 10 to 24 hours. In some embodiments, the incubation time period is 24 hours. For isolation of caTCR plus SSE immune cells present at low levels in the heterogeneous cell population, use of longer incubation times, such as 24 hours, can increase cell yield. Longer incubation times may be used to isolate caTCR plus SSE immune cells in any situation where there are few caTCR plus SSE immune cells as compared to other cell types. The skilled artisan would recognize that multiple rounds of selection can also be used in the context of this invention.

For isolation of a desired population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells by positive selection, the concentration of cells and surface (e.g., particles such as beads) can be varied. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to significantly decrease the volume in which beads and cells are mixed together (i.e., increase the concentration of cells), to ensure maximum contact of cells and beads. For example, in some embodiments, a concentration of about 2 billion cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, a concentration of about 1 billion cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, greater than about 100 million cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, a concentration of cells of about any of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 million cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, a concentration of cells of about any of 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells/ml is used. In some embodiments, a concentration of about 125 or about 150 million cells/ml is used. Using high concentrations can result in increased cell yield, cell activation, and cell expansion. Further, use of high cell concentrations allows more efficient capture of caTCR plus SSE immune cells that may weakly express the caTCR.

In some of any such embodiments described herein, enrichment results in minimal or substantially no exhaustion of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells. For example, in some embodiments, enrichment results in fewer than about 50% (such as fewer than about any of 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5%) of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells becoming exhausted. Effector cell exhaustion can be determined by any means known in the art, including any means described herein.

In some of any such embodiments described herein, enrichment results in minimal or substantially no terminal differentiation of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells. For example, in some embodiments, enrichment results in fewer than about 50% (such as fewer than about any of 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5%) of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells becoming terminally differentiated. Effector cell differentiation can be determined by any means known in the art, including any means described herein.

In some of any such embodiments described herein, enrichment results in minimal or substantially no internalization of caTCRs on the caTCR plus SSE immune cells. For example, in some embodiments, enrichment results in less than about 50% (such as less than about any of 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5%) of caTCRs on the caTCR plus SSE immune cells becoming internalized. Internalization of caTCRs on caTCR plus SSE immune cells can be determined by any means known in the art, including any means described herein.

In some of any such embodiments described herein, enrichment results in increased proliferation of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells. For example, in some embodiments, enrichment results in an increase of at least about 10% (such as at least about any of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000% or more) in the number of caTCR plus SSE immune cells following enrichment.

Thus, in some embodiments, there is provided a method of enriching a heterogeneous cell population for caTCR plus SSE immune cells expressing a caTCR that specifically binds to a target antigen and expressing or capable of expressing an SSE comprising: a) contacting the heterogeneous cell population with a first molecule comprising the target antigen or one or more epitopes contained therein to form complexes comprising the caTCR plus SSE immune cell bound to the first molecule; and b) separating the complexes from the heterogeneous cell population, thereby generating a cell population enriched for the caTCR plus SSE immune cells. In some embodiments, the first molecule is immobilized to a solid support. In some embodiments, the solid support is particulate (such as beads). In some embodiments, the solid support is a surface (such as the bottom of a well). In some embodiments, the first molecule is labelled with a tag. In some embodiments, the tag is a fluorescent molecule, an affinity tag, or a magnetic tag. In some embodiments, the method further comprises eluting the caTCR plus SSE immune cells from the first molecule and recovering the eluate.

Library Screening

In some embodiments, to isolate candidate caTCR constructs specific for a target antigen, a caTCR library, for example cells expressing a library of nucleic acids encoding a plurality of caTCRs, may be exposed to a capture molecule comprising the target antigen or one or more epitopes contained therein, followed by isolation of affinity members of the library that specifically bind the capture molecule. In some embodiments, the capture molecule is immobilized on a solid support. In some embodiments, the support may be the surfaces of beads, microtitre plates, immunotubes, or any material known in the art useful for such purposes. In some embodiments, the interaction takes place in solution with a tagged capture molecule (e.g. biotinylated capture molecule). In some embodiments, the procedure involves one or more washing steps to remove unspecific and non-reactive library members (panning). In some embodiments, to purify complexes in solution, they are collected by either immobilization or by centrifugation. In some embodiments, affinity members are captured on a soluble biotinylated capture molecule, followed by immobilization of the affinity complex (affinity member and capture molecule) on streptavidin beads. In some embodiments, the solid support is a bead. In some embodiments, the beads include, for example, magnetic beads (e.g. from Bangs Laboratories, Polysciences inc., Dynal Biotech, Miltenyi Biotech or Quantum Magnetic), nonmagnetic beads (e.g. Pierce and Upstate technology), monodisperse beads (e.g. Dynal Biotech and Microparticle Gmbh), and polydisperse beads (e.g. Chemagen). The use of magnetic beads has been described exhaustingly in literature (Uhlen, M, et al (1994) in Advances in Biomagnetic Separation, BioTechniques press, Westborough, Mass.). In some embodiments, the affinity members are purified by positive selection. In some embodiments, the affinity members are purified by negative selection to remove unwanted library members. In some embodiments, the affinity members are purified by both positive and negative selection steps.

Generally, the techniques used to prepare the library constructs will be based on known genetic engineering techniques. In this regard, nucleic acid sequences encoding the caTCRs to be expressed in the library are incorporated into expression vectors appropriate for the type of expression system to be used. Appropriate expression vectors for use in display in cells, such as CD3+ cells, are well known and described in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the expression vector is a viral vector, such as a lentiviral vector.

In some embodiments, there is provided a nucleic acid library comprising sequences encoding a plurality of caTCRs according to any one of the embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid library comprises viral vectors encoding the plurality of caTCRs. In some embodiments, the viral vectors are lentiviral vectors.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of screening a nucleic acid library according to any of the embodiments described herein for sequences encoding caTCRs specific for a target antigen, comprising: a) introducing the nucleic acid library into a plurality of cells, such that the caTCRs are expressed on the surface of the plurality of cells; b) incubating the plurality of cells with a capture molecule comprising the target antigen or one or more epitopes contained therein; c) collecting cells bound to the capture molecule; and d) isolating sequences encoding the caTCRs from cells collected in step c), thereby identifying caTCRs specific for the target antigen. In some embodiments, the method further comprises one or more wash steps. In some embodiments, the one or more wash steps are carried out between steps b) and c). In some embodiments, the plurality of cells is a plurality of CD3+ cells. In some embodiments, the capture molecule is immobilized on a solid support. In some embodiments, the solid support is a bead. In some embodiments, collecting cells bound to the capture molecule comprises eluting cells from the capture ligand bound to the solid support and collecting the eluate. In some embodiments, the capture molecule is labelled with a tag. In some embodiments, the tag is a fluorescent molecule, an affinity tag, or a magnetic tag. In some embodiments, collecting cells bound to the capture molecule comprises isolating complexes comprising the cells and the labelled ligand. In some embodiments, the cells are dissociated from the complexes.

MHC Proteins

MHC class I proteins are one of two primary classes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (the other being MHC class II) and are found on nearly every nucleated cell of the body. Their function is to display fragments of proteins from within the cell to T cells; healthy cells will be ignored, while cells containing foreign or mutated proteins will be attacked by the immune system. Because MHC class I proteins present peptides derived from cytosolic proteins, the pathway of WIC class I presentation is often called the cytosolic or endogenous pathway. Class I MHC molecules bind peptides generated mainly from degradation of cytosolic proteins by the proteasome. The MHC I:peptide complex is then inserted into the plasma membrane of the cell. The peptide is bound to the extracellular part of the class I MHC molecule. Thus, the function of the class I MHC is to display intracellular proteins to cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). However, class I MHC can also present peptides generated from exogenous proteins, in a process known as cross-presentation.

MHC class I proteins consist of two polypeptide chains, α and β2-microglobulin (β2M). The two chains are linked noncovalently via interaction of β2M and the α3 domain. Only the α chain is polymorphic and encoded by a HLA gene, while the β2M subunit is not polymorphic and encoded by the β-2 microglobulin gene. The α3 domain is plasma membrane-spanning and interacts with the CD8 co-receptor of T-cells. The α3-CD8 interaction holds the MHC I molecule in place while the T cell receptor (TCR) on the surface of the cytotoxic T cell binds its α1-α2 heterodimer ligand, and checks the coupled peptide for antigenicity. The α1 and α2 domains fold to make up a groove for peptides to bind. MHC class I proteins bind peptides that are 8-10 amino acid in length.

MHC class II molecules are a family of molecules normally found only on antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, mononuclear phagocytes, some endothelial cells, thymic epithelial cells, and B cells. The antigens presented by class II peptides are derived from extracellular proteins (not cytosolic as in class I); hence, the MHC class II-dependent pathway of antigen presentation is called the endocytic or exogenous pathway. Loading of an MHC class II molecule occurs by phagocytosis; extracellular proteins are endocytosed, digested in lysosomes, and the resulting epitopic peptide fragments are loaded onto MHC class II molecules prior to their migration to the cell surface.

Like MHC class I molecules, class II molecules are also heterodimers, but in this case consist of two homogenous peptides, an α and β chain. The subdesignation α1, α2, etc. refers to separate domains within the HLA gene; each domain is usually encoded by a different exon within the gene, and some genes have further domains that encode leader sequences, transmembrane sequences, etc. Because the antigen-binding groove of MHC class II molecules is open at both ends while the corresponding groove on class I molecules is closed at each end, the antigens presented by MHC class II molecules are longer, generally between 15 and 24 amino acid residues long.

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are the human versions of the MHC genes. The three major MHC class I proteins in humans are HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C, while the 3 minor ones are HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G. The three major MHC class II proteins involved in antigen presentation in humans are HLA-DP, HLDA-DQ, and HLA-DR, while the other MHC class II proteins, HLA-DM and HLA-DO, are involved in the internal processing and loading of antigens. HLA-A is ranked among the genes in humans with the fastest-evolving coding sequence. As of December 2013, there were 2432 known HLA-A alleles coding for 1740 active proteins and 117 null proteins. The HLA-A gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 and encodes the larger, a-chain, constituent of HLA-A. Variation of HLA-A a-chain is key to HLA function. This variation promotes genetic diversity in the population. Since each HLA has a different affinity for peptides of certain structures, greater variety of HLAs means greater variety of antigens to be ‘presented’ on the cell surface, enhancing the likelihood that a subset of the population will be resistant to any given foreign invader. This decreases the likelihood that a single pathogen has the capability to wipe out the entire human population. Each individual can express up to two types of HLA-A, one from each of their parents. Some individuals will inherit the same HLA-A from both parents, decreasing their individual HLA diversity; however, the majority of individuals will receive two different copies of HLA-A. This same pattern follows for all HLA groups. In other words, a person can only express either one or two of the 2432 known HLA-A alleles.

All alleles receive at least a four digit classification, e.g., HLA-A*02:12. The A signifies which HLA gene the allele belongs to. There are many HLA-A alleles, so that classification by serotype simplifies categorization. The next pair of digits indicates this assignment. For example, HLA-A*02:02, HLA-A*02:04, and HLA-A*02:324 are all members of the A2 serotype (designated by the *02 prefix). This group is the primary factor responsible for HLA compatibility. All numbers after this cannot be determined by serotyping and are designated through gene sequencing. The second set of digits indicates what HLA protein is produced. These are assigned in order of discovery and as of December 2013 there are 456 different HLA-A02 proteins known (assigned names HLA-A*02:01 to HLA-A*02:456). The shortest possible HLA name includes both of these details. Each extension beyond that signifies a nucleotide change that may or may not change the protein.

In some embodiments, the Fab-like antigen-binding module specifically binds to a complex comprising a peptide derived from a disease-associated antigen (such as a tumor-associated or virally-encoded antigen) and an MHC class I protein, wherein the MHC class I protein is HLA-A, HLA-E, HLA-F, or HLA-G. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is HLA-A, HLA-B, or HLA-C. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is HLA-A. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is HLA-B. In some embodiments, the MEC class I protein is HLA-C. In some embodiments, the MEC class I protein is HLA-A01, HLA-A02, HLA-A03, HLA-A09, HLA-A10, HLA-A11, HLA-A19, HLA-A23, HLA-A24, HLA-A25, HLA-A26, HLA-A28, HLA-A29, HLA-A30, HLA-A31, HLA-A32, HLA-A33, HLA-A34, HLA-A36, HLA-A43, HLA-A66, HLA-A68, HLA-A69, HLA-A74, or HLA-A80. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is HLA-A02. In some embodiments, the MHC class I protein is any one of HLA-A*02:01-555, such as HLA-A*02:01, HLA-A*02:02, HLA-A*02:03, HLA-A*02:04, HLA-A*02:05, HLA-A*02:06, HLA-A*02:07, HLA-A*02:08, HLA-A*02:09, HLA-A*02:10, HLA-A*02:11, HLA-A*02:12, HLA-A*02:13, HLA-A*02:14, HLA-A*02:15, HLA-A*02:16, HLA-A*02:17, HLA-A*02:18, HLA-A*02:19, HLA-A*02:20, HLA-A*02:21, HLA-A*02:22, or HLA-A*02:24. In some embodiments, the MEC class I protein is HLA-A*02:01. HLA-A*02:01 is expressed in 39-46% of all Caucasians, and therefore represents a suitable choice of MHC class I protein for use in the present invention.

In some embodiments, the Fab-like antigen-binding module specifically binds to a complex comprising a peptide derived from a disease-associated antigen (such as a tumor-associated or virally-encoded antigen) and an MEC class II protein, wherein the MEC class II protein is HLA-DP, HLA-DQ, or HLA-DR. In some embodiments, the MEC class II protein is HLA-DP. In some embodiments, the MEC class II protein is HLA-DQ. In some embodiments, the MEC class II protein is HLA-DR.

Peptides suitable for use in generating Fab-like antigen-binding modules can be determined, for example, based on the presence of HLA (such as HLA-A*02:01) binding motifs and cleavage sites for proteasomes and immune-proteasomes using computer prediction models known to those of skill in the art. For predicting MEC binding sites, such models include, but are not limited to, ProPred1 (described in more detail in Singh and Raghava, ProPred: prediction of HLA-DR binding sites. BIOINFORMATICS 17(12):1236-1237, 2001), and SYFPEITHI (see Schuler et al. SYFPEITHI, Database for Searching and T-Cell Epitope Prediction. in Immunoinformatics Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 409(1): 75-93, 2007).

Once appropriate peptides have been identified, peptide synthesis may be done in accordance with protocols well known to those of skill in the art. Because of their relatively small size, the peptides of the invention may be directly synthesized in solution or on a solid support in accordance with conventional peptide synthesis techniques. Various automatic synthesizers are commercially available and can be used in accordance with known protocols. The synthesis of peptides in solution phase has become a well-established procedure for large-scale production of synthetic peptides and as such is a suitable alternative method for preparing the peptides of the invention (See for example, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis by John Morrow Stewart and Martin et al. Application of Almez-mediated Amidation Reactions to Solution Phase Peptide Synthesis, Tetrahedron Letters Vol. 39, pages 1517-1520, 1998).

Pharmaceutical Compositions

Also provided herein are caTCR plus SSE immune cell compositions (such as pharmaceutical compositions, also referred to herein as formulations) comprising an immune cell (such as a T cell) presenting on its surface a caTCR according to any of the caTCRs described herein and expressing or capable of expressing an SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

The composition may comprise a homogenous cell population comprising caTCR plus SSE immune cells of the same cell type and expressing the same caTCR and SSE, or a heterogeneous cell population comprising a plurality of caTCR plus SSE immune cell populations comprising caTCR plus SSE immune cells of different cell types, expressing different caTCRs, and/or expressing different SSEs. The composition may further comprise cells that are not caTCR plus SSE immune cells.

Thus, in some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition comprising a homogeneous cell population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells (such as caTCR plus SSE T cells) of the same cell type and expressing the same caTCR and SSE. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is a T cell. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition comprising a heterogeneous cell population comprising a plurality of caTCR plus SSE immune cell populations comprising caTCR plus SSE immune cells of different cell types, expressing different caTCRs, and/or expressing different SSEs. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are T cells. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells is, independently from one another, of a cell type selected from the group consisting of cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, natural killer T cells, and suppressor T cells. In some embodiments, all of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells in the composition are of the same cell type (e.g., all of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are cytotoxic T cells). In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells is of a different cell type than the others (e.g., one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells consists of cytotoxic T cells and the other populations of caTCR plus SSE immune cells consist of natural killer T cells). In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses the same caTCR. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different caTCR than the others. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different caTCR than the others. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to the same target antigen. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a different target antigen than the others (e.g., one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically binds to a pMHC complex and the other populations of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically bind to a cell surface receptor). In some embodiments, where at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a different target antigen, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a target antigen associated with the same disease or disorder (e.g., each of the target antigens are associated with a cancer, such as breast cancer). In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses the same SSE. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different SSE than the others. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different SSE than the others. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to the same target. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a different target than the others (e.g., one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically binds to a pMHC complex and the other populations of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically bind to a cell surface receptor). In some embodiments, where at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a different target, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a target associated with the same disease or disorder (e.g., each of the targets are associated with a cancer, such as breast cancer). In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

Thus, in some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition comprising a plurality of caTCR plus SSE immune cell populations according to any of the embodiments described herein, wherein all of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells in the composition are of the same cell type (e.g., all of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are cytotoxic T cells), and wherein each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different caTCR than the others. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are T cells. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are selected from the group consisting of cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, natural killer T cells, and suppressor T cells. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to the same target antigen. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a different target antigen than the others (e.g., one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically binds to a pMHC complex and the other populations of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically bind to a cell surface receptor). In some embodiments, where at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a different target antigen, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a target antigen associated with the same disease or disorder (e.g., each of the target antigens are associated with a cancer, such as breast cancer). In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, there is provided a caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition comprising a plurality of caTCR plus SSE immune cell populations according to any of the embodiments described herein, wherein all of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells in the composition are of the same cell type (e.g., all of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are cytotoxic T cells), and wherein each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different SSE than the others. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are T cells. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are selected from the group consisting of cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, natural killer T cells, and suppressor T cells. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to the same target. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a different target than the others (e.g., one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically binds to a pMHC complex and the other populations of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically bind to a cell surface receptor). In some embodiments, where at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a different target, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a target associated with the same disease or disorder (e.g., each of the targets are associated with a cancer, such as breast cancer). In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, there is provided a composition comprising a plurality of caTCR plus SSE immune cell populations according to any of the embodiments described herein, wherein at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells is of a different cell type than the others. In some embodiments, all of the populations of caTCR plus SSE immune cells are of different cell types. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are T cells. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells is, independently from one another, of a cell type selected from the group consisting of cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, natural killer T cells, and suppressor T cells. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses the same caTCR. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different caTCR than the others. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different caTCR than the others. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to the same target antigen. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a different target antigen than the others (e.g., one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically binds to a pMHC complex and the other populations of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically bind to a cell surface receptor). In some embodiments, where at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a different target antigen, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a caTCR that specifically binds to a target antigen associated with the same disease or disorder (e.g., each of the target antigens are associated with a cancer, such as breast cancer). In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses the same SSE. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different SSE than the others. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses a different SSE than the others. In some embodiments, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to the same target. In some embodiments, at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a different target than the others (e.g., one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically binds to a pMHC complex and the other populations of caTCR plus SSE immune cells specifically bind to a cell surface receptor). In some embodiments, where at least one population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a different target, each population of caTCR plus SSE immune cells expresses an SSE that specifically binds to a target associated with the same disease or disorder (e.g., each of the targets are associated with a cancer, such as breast cancer). In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

At various points during preparation of a composition, it can be necessary or beneficial to cryopreserve a cell. The terms “frozen/freezing” and “cryopreserved/cryopreserving” can be used interchangeably. Freezing includes freeze drying.

As is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the freezing of cells can be destructive (see Mazur, P., 1977, Cryobiology 14:251-272) but there are numerous procedures available to prevent such damage. For example, damage can be avoided by (a) use of a cryoprotective agent, (b) control of the freezing rate, and/or (c) storage at a temperature sufficiently low to minimize degradative reactions. Exemplary cryoprotective agents include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (Lovelock and Bishop, 1959, Nature 183:1394-1395; Ashwood-Smith, 1961, Nature 190:1204-1205), glycerol, polyvinylpyrrolidine (Rinfret, 1960, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 85:576), polyethylene glycol (Sloviter and Ravdin, 1962, Nature 196:548), albumin, dextran, sucrose, ethylene glycol, i-erythritol, D-ribitol, D-mannitol (Rowe et al., 1962, Fed. Proc. 21:157), D-sorbitol, i-inositol, D-lactose, choline chloride (Bender et al., 1960, J. Appl. Physiol. 15:520), amino acids (Phan The Tran and Bender, 1960, Exp. Cell Res. 20:651), methanol, acetamide, glycerol monoacetate (Lovelock, 1954, Biochem. J. 56:265), and inorganic salts (Phan The Tran and Bender, 1960, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 104:388; Phan The Tran and Bender, 1961, in Radiobiology, Proceedings of the Third Australian Conference on Radiobiology, llbery ed., Butterworth, London, p. 59). In particular embodiments, DMSO can be used. Addition of plasma (e.g., to a concentration of 20-25%) can augment the protective effects of DMSO. After addition of DMSO, cells can be kept at 0° C. until freezing, because DMSO concentrations of 1% can be toxic at temperatures above 4° C.

In the cryopreservation of cells, slow controlled cooling rates can be critical and different cryoprotective agents (Rapatz et al., 1968, Cryobiology 5(1): 18-25) and different cell types have different optimal cooling rates (see e.g., Rowe and Rinfret, 1962, Blood 20:636; Rowe, 1966, Cryobiology 3(1):12-18; Lewis, et al., 1967, Transfusion 7(1):17-32; and Mazur, 1970, Science 168:939-949 for effects of cooling velocity on survival of stem cells and on their transplantation potential). The heat of fusion phase where water turns to ice should be minimal. The cooling procedure can be carried out by use of, e.g., a programmable freezing device or a methanol bath procedure. Programmable freezing apparatuses allow determination of optimal cooling rates and facilitate standard reproducible cooling.

In particular embodiments, DMSO-treated cells can be pre-cooled on ice and transferred to a tray containing chilled methanol which is placed, in turn, in a mechanical refrigerator (e.g., Harris or Revco) at −80° C. Thermocouple measurements of the methanol bath and the samples indicate a cooling rate of 1° to 3° C./minute can be preferred. After at least two hours, the specimens can have reached a temperature of −80° C. and can be placed directly into liquid nitrogen (−196° C.).

After thorough freezing, the cells can be rapidly transferred to a long-term cryogenic storage vessel. In a preferred embodiment, samples can be cryogenically stored in liquid nitrogen (−196° C.) or vapor (−1° C.). Such storage is facilitated by the availability of highly efficient liquid nitrogen refrigerators.

Further considerations and procedures for the manipulation, cryopreservation, and long-term storage of cells, can be found in the following exemplary references: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,199,022; 3,753,357; and 4,559,298; Gorin, 1986, Clinics In Haematology 15(1):19-48; Bone-Marrow Conservation, Culture and Transplantation, Proceedings of a Panel, Moscow, July 22-26, 1968, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, pp. 107-186; Livesey and Linner, 1987, Nature 327:255; Linner et al., 1986, J. Histochem. Cytochem. 34(9):1123-1135; Simione, 1992, J. Parenter. Sci. Technol. 46(6):226-32).

Following cryopreservation, frozen cells can be thawed for use in accordance with methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Frozen cells are preferably thawed quickly and chilled immediately upon thawing. In particular embodiments, the vial containing the frozen cells can be immersed up to its neck in a warm water bath; gentle rotation will ensure mixing of the cell suspension as it thaws and increase heat transfer from the warm water to the internal ice mass. As soon as the ice has completely melted, the vial can be immediately placed on ice.

In particular embodiments, methods can be used to prevent cellular clumping during thawing. Exemplary methods include: the addition before and/or after freezing of DNase (Spitzer et al., 1980, Cancer 45:3075-3085), low molecular weight dextran and citrate, hydroxyethyl starch (Stiff et al., 1983, Cryobiology 20:17-24), etc. [0162] As is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, if a cryoprotective agent that is toxic to humans is used, it should be removed prior to therapeutic use. DMSO has no serious toxicity.

Exemplary carriers and modes of administration of cells are described at pages 14-15 of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0183564. Additional pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21 st Edition, David B. Troy, ed., Lippicott Williams & Wilkins (2005).

In particular embodiments, cells can be harvested from a culture medium, and washed and concentrated into a carrier in a therapeutically-effective amount. Exemplary carriers include saline, buffered saline, physiological saline, water, Hanks' solution, Ringer's solution, Nonnosol-R (Abbott Labs), Plasma-Lyte A® (Baxter Laboratories, Inc., Morton Grove, Ill.), glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof.

In particular embodiments, carriers can be supplemented with human serum albumin (HSA) or other human serum components or fetal bovine serum. In particular embodiments, a carrier for infusion includes buffered saline with 5% HAS or dextrose. Additional isotonic agents include polyhydric sugar alcohols including trihydric or higher sugar alcohols, such as glycerin, erythritol, arabitol, xylitol, sorbitol, or mannitol.

Carriers can include buffering agents, such as citrate buffers, succinate buffers, tartrate buffers, fumarate buffers, gluconate buffers, oxalate buffers, lactate buffers, acetate buffers, phosphate buffers, histidine buffers, and/or trimethylamine salts.

Stabilizers refer to a broad category of excipients which can range in function from a bulking agent to an additive which helps to prevent cell adherence to container walls. Typical stabilizers can include polyhydric sugar alcohols; amino acids, such as arginine, lysine, glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, alanine, ornithine, L-leucine, 2-phenylalanine, glutamic acid, and threonine; organic sugars or sugar alcohols, such as lactose, trehalose, stachyose, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, ribitol, myoinisitol, galactitol, glycerol, and cyclitols, such as inositol; PEG; amino acid polymers; sulfur-containing reducing agents, such as urea, glutathione, thioctic acid, sodium thioglycolate, thioglycerol, alpha-monothioglycerol, and sodium thiosulfate; low molecular weight polypeptides (i.e., <10 residues); proteins such as HSA, bovine serum albumin, gelatin or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; monosaccharides such as xylose, mannose, fructose and glucose; disaccharides such as lactose, maltose and sucrose; trisaccharides such as raffinose, and polysaccharides such as dextran.

Where necessary or beneficial, compositions can include a local anesthetic such as lidocaine to ease pain at a site of injection.

Exemplary preservatives include phenol, benzyl alcohol, meta-cresol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, benzalkonium halides, hexamethonium chloride, alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben, catechol, resorcinol, cyclohexanol, and 3-pentanol.

Therapeutically effective amounts of cells within compositions can be greater than 10² cells, greater than 10³ cells, greater than 10⁴ cells, greater than 10⁵ cells, greater than 10⁶ cells, greater than 10⁷ cells, greater than 10⁸ cells, greater than 10⁹ cells, greater than 10¹⁰ cells, or greater than 10¹¹ cells.

In compositions and formulations disclosed herein, cells are generally in a volume of a liter or less, 500 ml or less, 250 ml or less or 100 ml or less. Hence the density of administered cells is typically greater than 10⁴ cells/ml, 10⁷ cells/ml or 10⁸ cells/ml.

Also provided herein are nucleic acid compositions (such as pharmaceutical compositions, also referred to herein as formulations) comprising any of the nucleic acids encoding a caTCR and/or SSE and/or CSR described herein. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid composition is a pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid composition further comprises any of an isotonizing agent, an excipient, a diluent, a thickener, a stabilizer, a buffer, and/or a preservative; and/or an aqueous vehicle, such as purified water, an aqueous sugar solution, a buffer solution, physiological saline, an aqueous polymer solution, or RNase free water. The amounts of such additives and aqueous vehicles to be added can be suitably selected according to the form of use of the nucleic acid composition.

The compositions and formulations disclosed herein can be prepared for administration by, for example, injection, infusion, perfusion, or lavage. The compositions and formulations can further be formulated for bone marrow, intravenous, intradermal, intraarterial, intranodal, intralymphatic, intraperitoneal, intralesional, intraprostatic, intravaginal, intrarectal, topical, intrathecal, intratumoral, intramuscular, intravesicular, and/or subcutaneous injection.

The formulations to be used for in vivo administration must be sterile. This is readily accomplished by, e.g., filtration through sterile filtration membranes.

Methods of Treatment Using caTCRs and SSEs

The caTCRs and SSEs of the invention can be administered to individuals (e.g., mammals such as humans) to treat a disease and/or disorder associated with target antigen (TA) expression (also referred to herein as a “target-antigen positive” or “TA-positive” disease or disorder), including, for example, cancer and infectious disease (such as viral infection). The present application thus in some embodiments provides a method for treating a target antigen-positive disease (such as cancer or viral infection) in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition (such as a pharmaceutical composition) comprising a caTCR according to any one of the caTCRs described herein and an SSE according to any of the SSEs described herein. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a cell (such as an immune cell) expressing the caTCR and expressing or capable of expressing the SSE (such as a cell presenting on its surface the caTCR and capable of secreting the SSE). In some embodiments, the cancer is selected, for example, from the group consisting of adrenocortical carcinoma, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancers, esophageal cancer, glioblastoma, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, pheochromocytoma, plasmacytoma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma, stomach cancer, uterine cancer and thyroid cancer. In some embodiments, the viral infection is caused by a virus selected, for example, from the group consisting of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Kaposi's Sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Human papillomavirus (HPV), Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), Human T cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1), HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).

For example, in some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-associated disease (such as cancer or viral infection) in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising immune cells (such as T cells) a) presenting on their surface a caTCR comprising i) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a naturally occurring TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the naturally occurring TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and ii) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs; and b) expressing or capable of expressing a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the naturally occurring TCR is an αβ TCR and the first and second TCR-TMs are derived from TCR α and β subunit transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the naturally occurring TCR is a γδ TCR and the first and second TCR-TMs are derived from TCR γ and δ subunit transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR connecting peptide or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof, and/or the second connecting peptide comprises all or a portion of the connecting peptide of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting peptides are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first TCRD further comprises a first TCR intracellular domain and/or the second TCRD further comprises a second TCR intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the first TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCR intracellular domain comprises a sequence from the intracellular domain of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the first TCR-TM is derived and/or the second TCRD is a fragment of the TCR subunit from which the second TCR-TM is derived. In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises at least one accessory intracellular domain comprising a T cell costimulatory signaling sequence (such as from CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, or CD40). In some embodiments, the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity that stabilizes the caTCR. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains are linked by a disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first and second stabilization domains comprise an antibody moiety, such as C_(H)1 and C_(L) antibody domains, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the TCRM is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and ζζ. In some embodiments, the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising the naturally occurring T cell receptor transmembrane domains. In some embodiments, the TCRM promotes caTCR-CD3 complex formation. In some embodiments, there is a spacer module between any two caTCR modules or domains. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety. In some embodiments, the antibody moiety is a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding module is multispecific (such as bispecific). In some embodiments, the target antigen is a cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of a protein, a carbohydrate, and a lipid. In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is a disease-associated antigen, such as a tumor-associated or virally-encoded antigen. In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is CD19, ROR1, ROR2, BCMA, GPRC5D, or FCRL5. In some embodiments, the target antigen is a surface-presented peptide/MEC complex. In some embodiments, the peptide/MHC complex comprises a peptide derived from a disease-associated antigen (such as a tumor-associated or virally-encoded antigen) and an MEC protein. In some embodiments, the peptide/MEC complex comprises a peptide and an MEC protein, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein selected from the group consisting of WT-1, AFP, HPV16-E7, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, EBV-LMP2A, HIV-1, KRAS, Histone H3.3, and PSA, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the MEC protein is an MEC class I protein. In some embodiments, the MEC class I protein is HLA-A. In some embodiments, the HLA-A is HLA-A02. In some embodiments, the HLA-A02 is HLA-A*02:01. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety that targets an immune cell surface antigen and a disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the immune cell surface antigen is CD3 or CD16a. In some embodiments, the disease-associated antigen is GPC3, CD47, MUC16, CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3, including variants or mutants thereof. In some embodiments, the SSE is a multispecific antibody moiety selected from the group consisting of a tandem scFv, a diabody (Db), a single chain diabody (scDb), a dual-affinity retargeting (DART) antibody, and a dual variable domain (DVD) antibody. In some embodiments, the SSE is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting the immune cell surface antigen and a second scFv targeting the disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety targeting an immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antagonist of an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule is selected from the group consisting of PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, HVEM, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, TIM-3, and A2aR. In some embodiments, the SSE is an agonist of a stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule is selected from the group consisting of CD28, ICOS, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, and CD40. In some embodiments, the SSE is a full-length antibody, a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv). In some embodiments, the SSE is an scFv. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that specifically binds a ligand of an immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises a ligand-binding domain derived from the extracellular domain of the immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the ligand-binding domain is a portion of the extracellular domain of the receptor. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressive receptor is selected from the group consisting of FasR, TNFR1, TNFR2, SIRPα, PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, CD40, and TIM-3. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that specifically binds to and antagonizes an immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE comprises a receptor-binding domain derived from the extracellular domain of a ligand for the immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the receptor-binding domain is a portion of the extracellular domain of the ligand. In some embodiments, the ligand is selected from the group consisting of FasL, PD-L1, PD-L2, CD47, CD80, CD86, ICOSL, HVEM, 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, CD40L, and GALS. In some embodiments, the SSE is a stimulatory cytokine. In some embodiments, the stimulatory cytokine is an IL-12 family member. In some embodiments, the IL-12 family member is IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, or IL-35. In some embodiments, the stimulatory cytokine is IL-2, IL-15, IL-18, or IL-21. In some embodiments, the stimulatory cytokine is capable of providing autocrine activation of receptors for the cytokine on the caTCR plus SSE immune cell. In some embodiments, the expression of the SSE in the caTCR plus SSE immune cell is inducible. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a γδ T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-associated disease (such as cancer or viral infection) in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising immune cells (such as T cells) a) presenting on their surface a caTCR that specifically binds the target antigen comprising i) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a naturally occurring αβ TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the naturally occurring αβ TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and ii) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs; and b) expressing or capable of expressing a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety (such as a bispecific antibody, e.g., a tandem scFv) that targets an immune cell surface antigen and a disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety (such as an scFv) that antagonizes an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule or agonizes a stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that antagonizes the interaction between an immunosuppressive receptor and its ligand, such as a soluble molecule comprising a binding domain derived from a) the extracellular domain of the immunosuppressive receptor, or b) the ligand of the immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE is a stimulatory cytokine. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a γδ T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-associated disease (such as cancer or viral infection) in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising immune cells (such as T cells) a) presenting on their surface a caTCR that specifically binds the target antigen comprising i) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a naturally occurring γδ TCR and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the other transmembrane domain of the naturally occurring γδ TCR, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule, and ii) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs; and b) expressing or capable of expressing a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety (such as a bispecific antibody, e.g., a tandem scFv) that targets an immune cell surface antigen and a disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety (such as an scFv) that antagonizes an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule or agonizes a stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that antagonizes the interaction between an immunosuppressive receptor and its ligand, such as a soluble molecule comprising a binding domain derived from a) the extracellular domain of the immunosuppressive receptor, or b) the ligand of the immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE is a stimulatory cytokine. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-associated disease (such as cancer or viral infection) in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising immune cells (such as T cells) a) presenting on their surface a caTCR that specifically binds the target antigen comprising i) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and ii) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs; and b) expressing or capable of expressing a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, no more than 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequences from which they are derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that in the caTCR it can interact with at least one of the substituted amino acids in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety (such as a bispecific antibody, e.g., a tandem scFv) that targets an immune cell surface antigen and a disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety (such as an scFv) that antagonizes an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule or agonizes a stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that antagonizes the interaction between an immunosuppressive receptor and its ligand, such as a soluble molecule comprising a binding domain derived from a) the extracellular domain of the immunosuppressive receptor, or b) the ligand of the immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE is a stimulatory cytokine. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a γδ T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR α and/or β chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-associated disease (such as cancer or viral infection) in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising immune cells (such as T cells) a) presenting on their surface a caTCR that specifically binds the target antigen comprising i) a first TCRD comprising a first TCR-TM derived from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM derived from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8, wherein the first and second TCRDs form a TCRM that is capable of recruiting at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and ii) an antigen-binding module that specifically binds to the target antigen, wherein the antigen-binding module is linked to the first and/or second TCRDs; and b) expressing or capable of expressing a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises, independently from one another, one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and/or the second TCR-TM each comprise, independently from one another, no more than 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the amino acid sequences from which they are derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, each of the TCR-TMs comprises a single amino acid substitution compared to the amino acid sequence from which it is derived. In some embodiments, at least one of the substituted amino acids in the first TCR-TM is positioned such that in the caTCR it can interact with at least one of the substituted amino acids in the second TCR-TM. In some embodiments, the first TCR-TM and second TCR-TM are selected according to any of the caTCRs listed in Table 2. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety (such as a bispecific antibody, e.g., a tandem scFv) that targets an immune cell surface antigen and a disease-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the SSE is an antibody moiety (such as an scFv) that antagonizes an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule or agonizes a stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule. In some embodiments, the SSE is a soluble molecule that antagonizes the interaction between an immunosuppressive receptor and its ligand, such as a soluble molecule comprising a binding domain derived from a) the extracellular domain of the immunosuppressive receptor, or b) the ligand of the immunosuppressive receptor. In some embodiments, the SSE is a stimulatory cytokine. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating an AFP-associated disease (such as cancer) in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising immune cells (such as T cells) a) presenting on their surface a caTCR that specifically binds an AFP peptide/HLA-02*01 complex comprising i) a first caTCR polypeptide chain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54 and a second caTCR polypeptide chain comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55; and b) a secretory secondary effector (SSE) that is a bispecific tandem scFv targeting GPC3 and CD3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a γδ T cell modified to block or decrease the expression of the TCR γ and/or δ chains. In some embodiments, the immune cell is an αβ T cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell.

Also contemplated are methods of treating a target antigen-associated disease in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual a composition comprising a plurality of immune cells expressing different caTCRs and/or expressing or capable of expressing different SSEs. Thus, in some embodiments, according to any of the methods for treating a target antigen-associated disease in an individual described herein, the composition is a heterogeneous caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition as described herein.

In some embodiments, the individual is a mammal (e.g., human, non-human primate, rat, mouse, cow, horse, pig, sheep, goat, dog, cat, etc.). In some embodiments, the individual is a human. In some embodiments, the individual is a clinical patient, a clinical trial volunteer, an experimental animal, etc. In some embodiments, the individual is younger than about 60 years old (including for example younger than about any of 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 15, or 10 years old). In some embodiments, the individual is older than about 60 years old (including for example older than about any of 70, 80, 90, or 100 years old). In some embodiments, the individual is diagnosed with or environmentally or genetically prone to one or more of the diseases or disorders described herein (such as cancer or viral infection). In some embodiments, the individual has one or more risk factors associated with one or more diseases or disorders described herein.

In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell compositions of the invention are administered in combination with a second, third, or fourth agent (including, e.g., an antineoplastic agent, a growth inhibitory agent, a cytotoxic agent, or a chemotherapeutic agent) to treat diseases or disorders involving target antigen expression. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition is administered in combination with a cytokine (such as IL-2). In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition is administered in combination with an agent that increases the expression of MHC proteins and/or enhances the surface presentation of peptides by MHC proteins. In some embodiments, the agent includes, for example, IFN receptor agonists, Hsp90 inhibitors, enhancers of p53 expression, and chemotherapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the agent is an IFN receptor agonist including, for example, IFNγ, IFNβ, and IFNα. In some embodiments, the agent is an Hsp90 inhibitor including, for example, tanespimycin (17-AAG), alvespimycin (17-DMAG), retaspimycin (IPI-504), IPI-493, CNF2024/BIIB021, WC-3100, Debio 0932 (CUDC-305), PU-H71, Ganetespib (STA-9090), NVP-AUY922 (VER-52269), HSP990, KW-2478, AT13387, SNX-5422, DS-2248, and XL888. In some embodiments, the agent is an enhancer of p53 expression including, for example, 5-fluorouracil and nutlin-3. In some embodiments, the agent is a chemotherapeutic agent including, for example, topotecan, etoposide, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and vinblastine.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-positive disease in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual a caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition according to any of the embodiments described herein in combination with a cytokine (such as IL-2). In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition and the cytokine are administered simultaneously. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition and the cytokine are administered sequentially.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-positive disease in an individual in need thereof, wherein the cells expressing the target antigen do not normally present, or present at relatively low levels, a complex comprising the target antigen and an MHC class I protein on their surface, the method comprising administering to the individual a caTCR plus SSE immune cell compositions according to any of the embodiments described herein in combination with an agent that increases the expression of MHC class I proteins and/or enhances the surface presentation of target antigens by MHC class I proteins. In some embodiments, the agent includes, for example, IFN receptor agonists, Hsp90 inhibitors, enhancers of p53 expression, and chemotherapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the agent is an IFN receptor agonist including, for example, IFNγ, IFNβ, and IFNα. In some embodiments, the agent is an Hsp90 inhibitor including, for example, tanespimycin (17-AAG), alvespimycin (17-DMAG), retaspimycin (IPI-504), IPI-493, CNF2024/BIIB021, WC-3100, Debio 0932 (CUDC-305), PU-H71, Ganetespib (STA-9090), NVP-AUY922 (VER-52269), HSP990, KW-2478, AT13387, SNX-5422, DS-2248, and XL888. In some embodiments, the agent is an enhancer of p53 expression including, for example, 5-fluorouracil and nutlin-3. In some embodiments, the agent is a chemotherapeutic agent including, for example, topotecan, etoposide, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and vinblastine. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition and the agent are administered simultaneously. In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition and the agent are administered sequentially.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-associated disease (such as cancer or viral infection) in an individual in need thereof comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising nucleic acid encoding a caTCR and an SSE according to any of the embodiments described herein. Methods for gene delivery are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,346, 5,580,859, 5,589,466, incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

Cancer treatments can be evaluated, for example, by tumor regression, tumor weight or size shrinkage, time to progression, duration of survival, progression free survival, overall response rate, duration of response, quality of life, protein expression and/or activity. Approaches to determining efficacy of the therapy can be employed, including for example, measurement of response through radiological imaging.

In some embodiments, the efficacy of treatment is measured as the percentage tumor growth inhibition (% TGI), calculated using the equation 100−(T/C×100), where T is the mean relative tumor volume of the treated tumor, and C is the mean relative tumor volume of a non-treated tumor. In some embodiments, the % TGI is about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, or more than 95%.

Viral infection treatments can be evaluated, for example, by viral load, duration of survival, quality of life, protein expression and/or activity.

Diseases

The caTCR plus SSE immune cells in some embodiments can be useful for treating cancers associated with a target antigen. Cancers that may be treated using any of the methods described herein include tumors that are not vascularized, or not yet substantially vascularized, as well as vascularized tumors. The cancers may comprise non-solid tumors (such as hematological tumors, for example, leukemias and lymphomas) or may comprise solid tumors. Types of cancers to be treated with the caTCR plus SSE immune cells of the invention include, but are not limited to, carcinoma, blastoma, and sarcoma, and certain leukemia or lymphoid malignancies, benign and malignant tumors, and malignancies e.g., sarcomas, carcinomas, and melanomas. Adult tumors/cancers and pediatric tumors/cancers are also included.

Hematologic cancers are cancers of the blood or bone marrow. Examples of hematological (or hematogenous) cancers include leukemias, including acute leukemias (such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia and myeloblastic, promyelocytic, myelomonocytic, monocytic and erythroleukemia), chronic leukemias (such as chronic myelocytic (granulocytic) leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia), polycythemia vera, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (indolent and high grade forms), multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, heavy chain disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, hairy cell leukemia and myelodysplasia.

Solid tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that usually do not contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors can be benign or malignant. Different types of solid tumors are named for the type of cells that form them (such as sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas). Examples of solid tumors, such as sarcomas and carcinomas, include adrenocortical carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and other sarcomas, synovioma, mesothelioma, Ewing's tumor, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, colon carcinoma, stomach cancer, lymphoid malignancy, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancers, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, thyroid cancer (e.g., medullary thyroid carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma), pheochromocytomas sebaceous gland carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinomas, medullary carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, hepatoma, bile duct carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, Wilms' tumor, cervical cancer (e.g., cervical carcinoma and pre-invasive cervical dysplasia), colorectal cancer, cancer of the anus, anal canal, or anorectum, vaginal cancer, cancer of the vulva (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, intraepithelial carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and fibrosarcoma), penile cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, head cancers (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma), neck cancers (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma), testicular cancer (e.g., seminoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratocarcinoma, choriocarcinoma, sarcoma, Leydig cell tumor, fibroma, fibroadenoma, adenomatoid tumors, and lipoma), bladder carcinoma, kidney cancer, melanoma, cancer of the uterus (e.g., endometrial carcinoma), urothelial cancers (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, ureter cancer, and urinary bladder cancer), and CNS tumors (such as a glioma (such as brainstem glioma and mixed gliomas), glioblastoma (also known as glioblastoma multiforme) astrocytoma, CNS lymphoma, germinoma, medulloblastoma, Schwannoma craniopharyogioma, ependymoma, pinealoma, hemangioblastoma, acoustic neuroma, oligodendroglioma, menangioma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma and brain metastases).

Cancer treatments can be evaluated, for example, by tumor regression, tumor weight or size shrinkage, time to progression, duration of survival, progression free survival, overall response rate, duration of response, quality of life, protein expression and/or activity. Approaches to determining efficacy of the therapy can be employed, including for example, measurement of response through radiological imaging.

The caTCR plus SSE immune cells in other embodiments can be useful for treating infectious diseases by targeting pathogen-associated (such as virally-encoded) antigens. The infection to be prevented or treated, for example, may be caused by a virus, bacteria, protozoa, or parasite. The target antigen may be a pathogenic protein, polypeptide or peptide that is responsible for a disease caused by the pathogen, or is capable of inducing an immunological response in a host infected by the pathogen. Pathogenic antigens which can be targeted by caTCR plus SSE immune cells include, but are not limited to, antigens derived from Acinetobacter baumannii, Anaplasma genus, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma duodenale, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Aspergillus genus, Astroviridae, Babesia genus, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Bartonella henselae, BK virus, Blastocystis hominis, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Bordetella pertussis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia genus, Borrelia spp, Brucella genus, Brugia malayi, Bunyaviridae family, Burkholderia cepacia and other Burkholderia species, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Caliciviridae family, Campylobacter genus, Candida albicans, Candida spp, Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila psittaci, CJD prion, Clonorchis sinensis, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium spp, Clostridium tetani, Coccidioides spp, coronaviruses, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Coxiella burnetii, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptosporidium genus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Dengue viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4), Dientamoeba fragilis, Ebolavirus (EBOV), Echinococcus genus, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia genus, Entamoeba histolytica, Enterococcus genus, Enterovirus genus, Enteroviruses, mainly Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus 71 (EV71), Epidermophyton spp, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Escherichia coli O157:H7, O111 and O104:H4, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, FFI prion, Filarioidea superfamily, Flaviviruses, Francisella tularensis, Fusobacterium genus, Geotrichum candidum, Giardia intestinalis, Gnathostoma spp, GSS prion, Guanarito virus, Haemophilus ducreyi, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, Henipavirus (Hendra virus Nipah virus), Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Hepatitis D Virus, Hepatitis E Virus, Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), Histoplasma capsulatum, HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), Hortaea werneckii, Human bocavirus (HBoV), Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), Human papillomavirus (HPV), Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV), Human T cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1), Japanese encephalitis virus, JC virus, Junin virus, Kaposi's Sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Kingella kingae, Klebsiella granulomatis, Kuru prion, Lassa virus, Legionella pneumophila, Leishmania genus, Leptospira genus, Listeria monocytogenes, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), Machupo virus, Malassezia spp, Marburg virus, Measles virus, Metagonimus yokagawai, Microsporidia phylum, Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), Mumps virus, Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Naegleria fowleri, Necator americanus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Nocardia asteroides, Nocardia spp, Onchocerca volvulus, Orientia tsutsugamushi, Orthomyxoviridae family (Influenza), Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Paragonimus spp, Paragonimus westermani, Parvovirus B19, Pasteurella genus, Plasmodium genus, Pneumocystis jirovecii, Poliovirus, Rabies virus, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Rhinovirus, rhinoviruses, Rickettsia akari, Rickettsia genus, Rickettsia prowazekii, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia typhi, Rift Valley fever virus, Rotavirus, Rubella virus, Sabia virus, Salmonella genus, Sarcoptes scabiei, SARS coronavirus, Schistosoma genus, Shigella genus, Sin Nombre virus, Hantavirus, Sporothrix schenckii, Staphylococcus genus, Staphylococcus genus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia genus, Taenia solium, Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum, Trichinella spiralis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Trichophyton spp, Trichuris trichiura, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Varicella zoster virus (VZV), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), Variola major or Variola minor, vCID prion, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Vibrio cholerae, West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, Wuchereria bancrofti, Yellow fever virus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pestis, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.

In some embodiments, the caTCR plus SSE immune cells are used for treating oncogenic infectious diseases, such as infection by oncogenic viruses. Oncogenic viruses include, but are not limited to, CMV, EBV, HBV, KSHV, HPV, MCV, HTLV-1, HIV-1, and HCV. The target antigen of the caTCR can be a viral oncoprotein including, but not limited to, Tax, E7, E6/E7, E6, HBx, EBNA proteins (e.g., EBNA3 A, EBNA3 C, and EBNA 2), v-cyclin, LANA1, LANA2, LMP-1, k-bZIP, RTA, KSHV K8, and fragments thereof. See Ahuja, Richa, et al., Curr. Sci., 2014.

Articles of Manufacture and Kits

In some embodiments of the invention, there is provided an article of manufacture containing materials useful for the treatment of a target antigen-positive disease such as cancer (for example adrenocortical carcinoma, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancers, esophageal cancer, glioblastoma, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, pheochromocytoma, plasmacytoma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma, stomach cancer, uterine cancer or thyroid cancer) or viral infection (for example infection by CMV, EBV, HBV, KSHV, HPV, MCV, HTLV-1, HIV-1, or HCV). The article of manufacture can comprise a container and a label or package insert on or associated with the container. Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, etc. The containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic. Generally, the container holds a composition which is effective for treating a disease or disorder described herein, and may have a sterile access port (for example the container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle). At least one active agent in the composition is an immune cell presenting on its surface a caTCR and expressing or capable of expressing an SSE of the invention. The label or package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating the particular condition. The label or package insert will further comprise instructions for administering the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition to the patient. Articles of manufacture and kits comprising combinatorial therapies described herein are also contemplated.

Package insert refers to instructions customarily included in commercial packages of therapeutic products that contain information about the indications, usage, dosage, administration, contraindications and/or warnings concerning the use of such therapeutic products. In some embodiments, the package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating a target antigen-positive cancer (such as adrenocortical carcinoma, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancers, esophageal cancer, glioblastoma, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, pheochromocytoma, plasmacytoma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma, stomach cancer, uterine cancer or thyroid cancer). In other embodiments, the package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating a target antigen-positive viral infection (for example infection by CMV, EBV, HBV, KSHV, HPV, MCV, HTLV-1, HIV-1, or HCV).

Additionally, the article of manufacture may further comprise a second container comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer, such as bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), phosphate-buffered saline, Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. It may further include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes.

Kits are also provided that are useful for various purposes, e.g., for treatment of a target antigen-positive disease or disorder described herein, optionally in combination with the articles of manufacture. Kits of the invention include one or more containers comprising a caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition (or unit dosage form and/or article of manufacture), and in some embodiments, further comprise another agent (such as the agents described herein) and/or instructions for use in accordance with any of the methods described herein. The kit may further comprise a description of selection of individuals suitable for treatment. Instructions supplied in the kits of the invention are typically written instructions on a label or package insert (e.g., a paper sheet included in the kit), but machine-readable instructions (e.g., instructions carried on a magnetic or optical storage disk) are also acceptable.

For example, in some embodiments, the kit comprises a composition comprising an immune cell presenting on its surface a caTCR and expressing or capable of expressing an SSE. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a) a composition comprising an immune cell presenting on its surface a caTCR and expressing or capable of expressing an SSE, and b) an effective amount of at least one other agent, wherein the other agent increases the expression of MEC proteins and/or enhances the surface presentation of peptides by MEC proteins (e.g., IFNγ, IFNβ, IFNα, or Hsp90 inhibitor). In some embodiments, the kit comprises a) a composition comprising an immune cell presenting on its surface a caTCR and expressing or capable of expressing an SSE, and b) instructions for administering the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition to an individual for treatment of a target antigen-positive disease (such as cancer or viral infection). In some embodiments, the kit comprises a) a composition comprising an immune cell presenting on its surface a caTCR and expressing or capable of expressing an SSE, b) an effective amount of at least one other agent, wherein the other agent increases the expression of MEC proteins and/or enhances the surface presentation of peptides by MEC proteins (e.g., IFNγ, IFNβ, IFNα, or Hsp90 inhibitor), and c) instructions for administering the caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition and the other agent(s) to an individual for treatment of a target antigen-positive disease (such as cancer or viral infection). The caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition and the other agent(s) can be present in separate containers or in a single container. For example, the kit may comprise one distinct composition or two or more compositions wherein one composition comprises the caTCR plus SSE immune cell and another composition comprises the other agent.

In some embodiments, the kit comprises a nucleic acid (or set of nucleic acids) encoding a caTCR and an SSE. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a) a nucleic acid (or set of nucleic acids) encoding a caTCR and an SSE, and b) a host cell (such as an immune cell) for expressing the nucleic acid (or set of nucleic acids). In some embodiments, the kit comprises a) a nucleic acid (or set of nucleic acids) encoding a caTCR and an SSE, and b) instructions for i) expressing the caTCR and SSE in a host cell (such as an immune cell, e.g., a T cell), ii) preparing a composition comprising the host cell expressing the caTCR and SSE, and iii) administering the composition comprising the host cell expressing the caTCR and SSE to an individual for the treatment of a target antigen-positive disease (such as cancer or viral infection). In some embodiments, the host cell is derived from the individual. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a) a nucleic acid (or set of nucleic acids) encoding a caTCR and an SSE, b) a host cell (such as an immune cell) for expressing the nucleic acid (or set of nucleic acids), and c) instructions for i) expressing the caTCR and SSE in the host cell, ii) preparing a composition comprising the host cell expressing the caTCR and SSE, and iii) administering the composition comprising the host cell expressing the caTCR and SSE to an individual for the treatment of a target antigen-positive disease (such as cancer or viral infection).

The kits of the invention are in suitable packaging. Suitable packaging includes, but is not limited to, vials, bottles, jars, flexible packaging (e.g., sealed Mylar or plastic bags), and the like. Kits may optionally provide additional components such as buffers and interpretative information. The present application thus also provides articles of manufacture, which include vials (such as sealed vials), bottles, jars, flexible packaging, and the like.

The instructions relating to the use of the caTCR plus SSE immune cell compositions generally include information as to dosage, dosing schedule, and route of administration for the intended treatment. The containers may be unit doses, bulk packages (e.g., multi-dose packages) or sub-unit doses. For example, kits may be provided that contain sufficient dosages of a caTCR plus SSE immune cell composition as disclosed herein to provide effective treatment of an individual for an extended period, such as any of a week, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, or more. Kits may also include multiple unit doses of the caTCR plus SSE immune cells, and pharmaceutical compositions and instructions for use and packaged in quantities sufficient for storage and use in pharmacies, for example, hospital pharmacies and compounding pharmacies.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that several embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of this invention. The invention will now be described in greater detail by reference to the following non-limiting examples. The following examples further illustrate the invention but, of course, should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope.

Exemplary Embodiments Embodiment 1

In one embodiments, there is provided an immune cell

a) comprising a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) comprising: i) an antigen binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen; and ii) a T cell receptor module (TCRM) comprising a first TCR domain (TCRD) comprising a first TCR transmembrane domain (TCR-TM) and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) capable of secreting a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR.

Embodiment 2

The immune cell of embodiment 1, wherein the target antigen is a cell surface antigen.

Embodiment 3

The immune cell of embodiment 2, wherein the cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of a protein, a carbohydrate, and a lipid.

Embodiment 4

The immune cell of embodiment 3, wherein the cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of CD19, receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor (ROR) 1 (ROR1), ROR2, B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), G Protein-Coupled Receptor Class C Group 5 Member D (GPRC5D), Glypican 3 (GPC3), and Fc Receptor Like 5 (FCRL5).

Embodiment 5

The immune cell of embodiment 1, wherein the target antigen is a complex comprising a peptide and a major histocompatibility complex (MEC) protein.

Embodiment 6

The immune cell of embodiment 5, wherein the peptide is derived from a protein selected from the group consisting of Wilms Tumor 1 (WT-1), Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Human Papilloma Virus Type 16-E7 (HPV16-E7), Cancer/testis antigen 1 (NY-ESO-1), Preferentially Expressed Antigen In Melanoma (PRAME), Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A (EBV-LMP2A), GTPase KRas (KRAS), Histone H3.3, and Prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Embodiment 7

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the first TCR-TM is derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a first naturally occurring T cell receptor and the second TCR-TM is derived from the other transmembrane domain of the first naturally occurring T cell receptor.

Embodiment 8

The immune cell of embodiment 7, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.

Embodiment 9

The immune cell of embodiment 8, wherein the TCRM allows for enhanced recruitment of the at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule as compared to a TCRM comprising the first naturally occurring T cell receptor transmembrane domains.

Embodiment 10

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 7-9, wherein the first TCR-TM comprises up to 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the transmembrane domain from which it is derived and/or the second TCR-TM comprises up to 5 amino acid substitutions compared to the transmembrane domain from which it is derived.

Embodiment 11

The immune cell of embodiment 10, wherein the first TCR-TM comprises a single amino acid substitution and/or the second TCR-TM comprises a single amino acid substitution.

Embodiment 12

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 7-11, wherein the first naturally occurring T cell receptor is a γ/δ T cell receptor.

Embodiment 13

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 7-11, wherein the first naturally occurring T cell receptor is an α/β T cell receptor.

Embodiment 14

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the antigen-binding module is an antibody moiety selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, and a single chain Fv (scFv).

Embodiment 15

The immune cell of embodiment 14, wherein the caTCR comprises two or more antigen-binding modules.

Embodiment 16

The immune cell of embodiment 15, wherein the caTCR is multispecific.

Embodiment 17

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 14-16, wherein the antigen binding module comprises at least one scFv linked to at least one of the TCRDs.

Embodiment 18

The immune cell of embodiment 17, wherein the at least one scFv is fused to the at least one TCRD, optionally via a peptide linker.

Embodiment 19

The immune cell of embodiment 18, wherein the at least one scFv is covalently conjugated to the at least one TCRD.

Embodiment 20

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 14-16, wherein the antigen binding module comprises a V_(H) domain linked to one of the TCRDs and a V_(L) domain linked to the other TCRD.

Embodiment 21

The immune cell of embodiment 20, wherein the V_(H) domain is fused to one of the TCRDs and the V_(L) domain is fused to the other TCRD, optionally via a peptide linker.

Embodiment 22

The immune cell of embodiment 21, wherein the V_(H) domain is covalently conjugated to one of the TCRDs and the V_(L) domain is covalently conjugated to the other TCRD.

Embodiment 23

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the caTCR is a heterodimer comprising a first polypeptide chain comprising the first TCRD and a second polypeptide chain comprising the second TCRD.

Embodiment 24

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-23, wherein the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity that stabilizes the caTCR.

Embodiment 25

The immune cell of embodiment 24, wherein the stabilization module is selected from the group consisting of a C_(H)1-C_(L) module, a C_(H)2-C_(H)2 module, a C_(H)3-C_(H)3 module, and a C_(H)4-C_(H)4 module.

Embodiment 26

The immune cell of embodiment 24 or 25, wherein there is a covalent linkage between the first and second stabilization domains.

Embodiment 27

The immune cell of embodiment 26, wherein the covalent linkage is a disulfide linkage.

Embodiment 28

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 24-27, wherein the stabilization module is between the antigen-binding module and the TCRM.

Embodiment 29

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-28, wherein the caTCR binds to the target antigen with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) from about 0.1 pM to about 500 nM.

Embodiment 30

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-29, wherein the TCR-associated signaling molecule is selected from the group consisting of CD3δε, CD3γε, and

Embodiment 31

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the SSE comprises an antibody moiety.

Embodiment 32

The immune of embodiment 31, wherein the antibody moiety is a multispecific antibody moiety.

Embodiment 33

The immune cell of embodiment 32, wherein the multispecific antibody moiety is selected from the group consisting of a tandem scFv, a diabody (Db), a single chain diabody (scDb), a dual-affinity retargeting (DART) antibody, and a dual variable domain (DVD) antibody.

Embodiment 34

The immune cell of embodiment 33, wherein the antibody moiety is a bispecific antibody moiety comprising a first antibody moiety that targets an immune cell surface antigen and a second antibody moiety that targets a disease-associated antigen.

Embodiment 35

The immune cell of embodiment 34, wherein the immune cell surface antigen is CD3 or CD16a.

Embodiment 36

The immune cell of embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the disease-associated antigen is different from the target antigen of the caTCR.

Embodiment 37

The immune cell of embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the disease-associated antigen is the same as the target antigen of the caTCR.

Embodiment 38

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 34-37, wherein the disease-associated antigen is GPC3, CD47, MUC16, CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3.

Embodiment 39

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 34-38, wherein the antibody moiety is a tandem scFv comprising a first scFv targeting the immune cell surface antigen and a second scFv targeting the disease-associated antigen.

Embodiment 40

The immune cell of embodiment 31, wherein the antibody moiety is a full-length antibody, a Fab, a Fab′, a (Fab′)2, an Fv, or a single chain Fv (scFv).

Embodiment 41

The immune cell of embodiment 40, wherein the antibody moiety is an antagonist of an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule.

Embodiment 42

The immune cell of embodiment 41, wherein the inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule is selected from the group consisting of PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, HVEM, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, TIM-3, and A2aR.

Embodiment 43

The immune cell of embodiment 40, wherein the antibody moiety is an agonist of a stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule.

Embodiment 44

The immune cell of embodiment 43, wherein the stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule is selected from the group consisting of CD28, ICOS, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, and CD40.

Embodiment 45

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 40-44, wherein the antibody moiety is an scFv.

Embodiment 46

The immune cell of embodiment 38, wherein the target antigen of the caTCR is an MEC class I complex comprising an AFP peptide, and the disease-associated antigen is GPC3.

Embodiment 47

The immune cell of embodiment 38, wherein the immune cell surface antigen is CD3.

Embodiment 48

The immune cell of embodiment 47, wherein the antigen-binding module of the caTCR comprises a variable heavy (V_(H)) domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52 and a variable light (V_(L)) domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, or variants thereof that do not substantially alter the binding of the antigen-binding molecule to AFP, wherein the first antibody moiety of the SSE comprises a V_(H) domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70 and a V_(L) domain comprising the amino acid SEQUENCE of SEQ ID NO: 71, or variants thereof that do not substantially alter the binding of the first antibody moiety to CD3, and wherein the second antibody moiety of the SSE comprises a V_(H) domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 and a V_(L) domain comprising the amino acid SEQUENCE of SEQ ID NO: 65, or variants thereof that do not substantially alter the binding of the second antibody moiety to GPC3.

Embodiment 49

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the SSE is a soluble receptor ligand trap derived from the extracellular domain of a receptor.

Embodiment 50

The immune cell of embodiment 49, wherein the receptor is selected from the group consisting of FasR, TNFR1, TNFR2, SIRPα, PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, BTLA, KIR, LAG-3, 4-1BB, OX40, CD27, CD40, and TIM-3.

Embodiment 51

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the SSE is a soluble receptor antagonist derived from the extracellular domain of a ligand for the receptor.

Embodiment 52

The immune cell of embodiment 51, wherein the ligand is selected from the group consisting of FasL, PD-L1, PD-L2, CD47, CD80, CD86, ICOSL, HVEM, 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70, CD40L, and GAL9.

Embodiment 53

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the SSE is an exogenous cytokine.

Embodiment 54

The immune cell of embodiment 53, wherein the exogenous cytokine is an IL-12 family member.

Embodiment 55

The immune cell of embodiment 54, wherein the exogenous cytokine is IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, or IL-35.

Embodiment 56

The immune cell of embodiment 53, wherein the exogenous cytokine is IL-2, IL-15, IL-18, or IL-21.

Embodiment 57

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-56, wherein the expression of the SSE is inducible.

Embodiment 58

The immune cell of embodiment 57, wherein the expression of the SSE is inducible upon activation of the immune cell.

Embodiment 59

The immune cell of embodiment 57, wherein the expression of the SSE is inducible upon signaling through the caTCR

Embodiment 60

In one embodiment, there is provided one or more nucleic acids encoding the caTCR and SSE of any one of embodiments 1-59.

Embodiment 61

In one embodiments, there is provided one or more nucleic acids encoding:

a) a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) comprising: i) an antigen binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen; and ii) a T cell receptor module (TCRM) comprising a first TCR domain (TCRD) comprising a first TCR transmembrane domain (TCR-TM) and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR.

Embodiment 62

The one or more nucleic acids of embodiment 60 or 61, wherein the caTCR and SSE are encoded on the same nucleic acid molecule.

Embodiment 63

The one or more nucleic acids of embodiment 60 or 61, wherein the caTCR and SSE are encoded on different nucleic acid molecules

Embodiment 64

The one or more nucleic acids of any one of embodiments 60-63, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the SSE is operably linked to an inducible promoter.

Embodiment 65

The one or more nucleic acids of embodiment 64, wherein the inducible promoter is inducible upon activation of the immune cell.

Embodiment 66

The one or more nucleic acids of embodiment 64, wherein the inducible promoter is a nuclear-factor of the activated T-cell (NFAT)-derived promoter (such as an NFAT-derived promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74).

Embodiment 67

In one embodiment, there is provided one or more vectors comprising the one or more nucleic acids of any one of embodiments 60-66.

Embodiment 68

The one or more vectors of embodiment 67, wherein at least one of the vectors comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the caTCR and at least one other vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE.

Embodiment 69

The one or more vectors of embodiment 67, comprising a single vector comprising the one or more nucleic acids.

Embodiment 70

In one embodiment, there is provided a composition comprising the one or more nucleic acids of any one of embodiments 60-66 or the one or more vectors of any one of embodiments 67-69.

Embodiment 71

In one embodiment, there is provided an immune cell comprising the one or more nucleic acids of any one of embodiments 60-66 or the one or more vectors of any one of embodiments 67-69.

Embodiment 72

The immune cell of embodiment 71, wherein the immune cell further comprises a caTCR expressed from the one or more nucleic acids of any one of embodiments 60-66 or the one or more vectors of any one of embodiments 67-69.

Embodiment 73

The immune cell of embodiment 71 or 72, wherein the immune cell further comprises an SSE expressed from the one or more nucleic acids of any one of embodiments 60-66 or the one or more vectors of any one of embodiments 67-69.

Embodiment 74

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-59 and 71-73, wherein the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of a cytotoxic T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer T cell, and a suppressor T cell.

Embodiment 75

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-59 and 71-74, wherein

a) the caTCR is a heterodimer comprising a first polypeptide chain comprising the first TCRD and a second polypeptide chain comprising the second TCRD, and wherein the antigen-binding module comprises one or two polypeptide chains linked to the amino-terminus of one or both of the TCRDs, and b) the SSE comprises a single polypeptide chain, the immune cell comprising: i) a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the first polypeptide chain of the caTCR; ii) a second nucleic acid sequence encoding the second polypeptide chain of the caTCR; and iii) a third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE.

Embodiment 76

The immune cell of embodiment 75, comprising:

a) a first vector comprising the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the first polypeptide chain of the caTCR under the control of a first promoter; b) a second vector comprising the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the second polypeptide chain of the caTCR under the control of a second promoter; and c) a third vector comprising the third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE under the control of a third promoter.

Embodiment 77

The immune cell of embodiment 75, comprising:

a) a first vector comprising: i) the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the first polypeptide chain of the caTCR under the control of a first promoter; and ii) the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the second polypeptide chain of the caTCR under the control of a second promoter; and b) a second vector comprising the third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE under the control of a third promoter.

Embodiment 78

The immune cell of embodiment 75, comprising a vector comprising:

a) the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the first polypeptide chain of the caTCR under the control of a first promoter; b) the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the second polypeptide chain of the caTCR under the control of a second promoter; and c) the third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE under the control of a third promoter.

Embodiment 79

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 76-78, wherein the first promoter and/or the second promoter are constitutively active promoters.

Embodiment 80

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 76-79, wherein the third promoter is an inducible promoter.

Embodiment 81

The immune cell of embodiment 75, comprising:

a) a first vector comprising the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the first polypeptide chain of the caTCR and the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the second polypeptide chain of the caTCR. wherein the first and second nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a single first promoter; and b) a second vector comprising the third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE under the control of a second promoter.

Embodiment 82

The immune cell of embodiment 75, comprising a vector comprising:

a) the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the first polypeptide chain of the caTCR and the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the second polypeptide chain of the caTCR, wherein the first and second nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a single first promoter; and b) the third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE under the control of a second promoter.

Embodiment 83

The immune cell of embodiment 81 or 82, wherein the first promoter is a constitutively active promoter.

Embodiment 84

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 81-83, wherein the second promoter is an inducible promoter.

Embodiment 85

The immune cell of embodiment 80 or 84, wherein the inducible promoter is inducible upon activation of the immune cell.

Embodiment 86

The immune cell of embodiment 80 or 84, wherein the inducible promoter is an NFAT-derived promoter.

Embodiment 87

The immune cell of embodiment 75, comprising a vector comprising:

a) the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the first polypeptide chain of the caTCR; b) the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the second polypeptide chain of the caTCR; and c) the third nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSE, wherein the first, second, and third nucleic acid sequences are under the control of a single promoter.

Embodiment 88

The immune cell of any one of embodiments 76-87, wherein the vectors are integrated into the immune cell genome.

Embodiment 89

In one embodiment, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising the immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-59 and 71-88, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Embodiment 90

In one embodiment, there is provided a method of killing a target cell presenting a target antigen (or treating a target antigen-associated disease), comprising contacting the target cell with the immune cell of any one of embodiments 1-59 and 71-88.

Embodiment 91

The method of embodiment 90, wherein the contacting is carried out in vivo.

Embodiment 92

The method of embodiment 90, wherein the contacting is carried out in vitro.

Embodiment 93

In one embodiment, there is provided a method of treating a target antigen-associated disease in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 89.

Embodiment 94

The method of embodiment 93, wherein the target antigen-associated disease is cancer.

Embodiment 95

The method of embodiment 94, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of adrenocortical carcinoma, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancers, esophageal cancer, glioblastoma, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, pheochromocytoma, plasmacytoma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma, stomach cancer, uterine cancer and thyroid cancer.

Embodiment 96

The method of embodiment 93, wherein the target antigen-associated disease is viral infection.

Embodiment 97

The method of embodiment 96, wherein the viral infection is caused by a virus selected from the group consisting of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Kaposi's Sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Human papillomavirus (HPV), Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), Human T cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).

Embodiment 98

The method of any one of embodiments 93-97, wherein the immune cell is autologous to the individual.

Embodiment 99

In one embodiment, there is provided a method of enhancing an immune response of an immune cell comprising a caTCR or transduced with a nucleic acid encoding a caTCR, comprising introducing into said cell the one or more nucleic acids of any one of embodiments 60-66 or the one or more vectors of any one of embodiments 67-69.

Examples Materials and Methods Cell Samples, Cell Lines, and Antibodies

The cell lines HepG2 (ATCC HB-8065; HLA-A2+, AFP⁺, GPC3⁺) and SK-HEP-1 (ATCC HTB-52; HLA-A2+, AFP⁻, GPC3⁻) were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. HepG2 GPC3 knockout (HepG2-GPC3.ko) line was generated using CRISPR technology to knockout GPC3. Another control cell line, SK-HEP1-AFP/GPC3 (AFP⁺, GPC3⁺) was generated by transducing SK-HEP-1 cell line with a minigene cassette expressing AFP and GPC3. All cell lines were cultured in RPMI 1640 or DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 2 mM glutamine at 37° C./5% CO₂.

Flow cytometry data were collected using BD FACSCanto II and analyzed using FlowJo software package.

Lentiviruses encoding human AFP158/HLA-A*02:01-specific caTCR alone or AFP158/HLA-A*02:01-specific caTCR+anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAb were produced, for example, by transfection of 293T cells with vectors encoding the constructs. Primary human T-cells were used for transduction after one-day stimulation with CD3/CD28 beads (Dynabeads®, Invitrogen) in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) at 100 U/ml. Concentrated lentiviruses were applied to T-cells in Retronectin- (Takara) coated 6-well plates for 96 hours. Transduction efficiencies were assessed by flow cytometry.

Cell lines were transduced with either a vector encoding both subunits of the caTCR construct alone or a vector encoding the caTCR and the BsAb.

Tumor cytotoxicities were assayed by Cytox 96 Non-radioactive LDH Cytotoxicity Assay (Promega). CD3⁺ T cells were prepared from PBMC-enriched whole blood using EasySep Human T Cell Isolation Kit (StemCell Technologies) which negatively depletes CD14, CD16, CD19, CD20, CD36, CD56, CD66b, CD123, glycophorin A expressing cells. Human T cells were activated and expanded with, for example, CD3/CD28 Dynabeads (Invitrogen) according to manufacturer's protocol. Activated T cells (ATC) were cultured and maintained in RPMI1640 medium with 10% FBS plus 100 U/ml IL-2, and used at day 7-14. Activated T cells (immune cells) and target cells were co-cultured at various effector-to-target ratios (e.g., 2.5:1 or 5:1) for 16 hours and assayed for cytotoxicities.

Example 1. Chimeric Antibody-T Cell Receptor (caTCR) Designs

Various chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (caTCRs) designs are contemplated, and six different examples are shown in FIG. 1 (caTCR-1, caTCR-2, caTCR-3, caTCR-4, caTCR-5, and caTCR-6). In these designs, various antibody moieties (Fab, Fab′, (Fab′)2, Fv, or scFv) are fused to the amino terminus of T cell receptor α/β chains or γ/δ chains lacking variable and constant domains and including all or part of their connecting peptide (region after the constant domain), their transmembrane domain, or a variant thereof, and any intracellular domain to form caTCR heterodimers which can be expressed on the surface of T cells. In a native TCR, the Vα/Vβ or Vδ/Vγ domains form the antigen-binding domain of the TCR. Our designs replace the Vα-Cα/Vβ-Cβ or Vδ-Cδ/Vγ-Cγ regions with various antibody moieties, and introduce at least one variant TCR transmembrane domain, thus conferring an antibody's binding specificity to the construct, and resulting in an enhanced ability of the construct to recruit accessory molecules in a TCR complex, such as CD3δε, CD3γε and CD3ζζ, as compared to TCRs or related constructs with only naturally occurring TCR transmembrane domains. The caTCR constructs were named as follows: caTCR-[design #]-[variant location][#]. Design #1 corresponds to caTCR with a Fab antibody moiety, design #2 corresponds to caTCR with a Fab′ antibody moiety, design #3 corresponds to caTCR with a (Fab′)2 antibody moiety, design #4 corresponds to caTCR with an Fv antibody moiety, design #5 corresponds to caTCR with a single scFv antibody moiety, and design #6 corresponds to caTCR with two scFv antibody moieties (see FIG. 1). No variant location and #0 (e.g., caTCR-1-0) corresponds to a construct with naturally occurring TCR domains, and #>1 corresponds to caTCR with specific variants in the variant location (e.g., caTCR-1-TM1 corresponds to one transmembrane domain variant, caTCR-1-EC1 corresponds to one extracellular domain variant; see Table 2).

In the caTCR-1 (IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1-TCRδ/IgV_(L)-IgC_(L)-TCRγ) design, the variable domain and the first constant domain (IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1) of an antibody heavy chain replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCRδ chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCRδ chain after the Vδ-Cδ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCRδ chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids. The variable domain and the constant domain (IgV_(L)-IgC_(L)) of the corresponding antibody light chain replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCRγ chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCRγ chain after the Vγ-Cγ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCRγ chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids.

In one embodiment of caTCR-1, one chain includes the IgV_(H) domain of an anti-AFP158/HLA-A*02:01 antibody (SEQ ID NO: 52) fused to an IgC_(H)1 domain (any one of SEQ ID NOs: 37-47) fused to a carboxy-terminal portion of the TCR chain including the transmembrane domain and all or part of the connecting peptide of the TCR chain, and the other chain includes the IgV_(L) domain of the anti-AFP158/HLA-A*02:01 antibody (SEQ ID NO: 53) fused to an IgC_(L) domain (SEQ ID NO: 48) fused to a carboxy-terminal portion of the TCRγ chain including the transmembrane domain and all or part of the connecting peptide of the TCRγ chain, wherein at least one of the TCR domains (such as a TCR transmembrane domain) is a non-naturally occurring variant comprising one or more amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments, the carboxy terminal portion of the TCR chain includes a connecting peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31 or 32. In some embodiments, the carboxy terminal portion of the TCR chain includes a transmembrane domain having the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 7, and 9-13. In some embodiments, the carboxy terminal portion of the TCRγ chain includes a connecting peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33 or 34. In some embodiments, the carboxy terminal portion of the TCRγ chain includes a transmembrane domain having the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 8, and 14-26.

In the caTCR-2 (IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1-hinge-TCRδ/IgV_(L)-IgC_(L)-linker-TCRγ) design, the variable domain, the first constant domain, and the hinge (IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1-hinge) of an antibody heavy chain replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCR chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCR chain after the Vδ-Cδ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCR chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids. The variable domain and the constant domain of the corresponding antibody light chain fused to a linker (IgV_(L)-IgC_(L)-linker) replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCRγ chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCRγ chain after the Vγ-Cγ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCRγ chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids.

In the caTCR-3 (IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1-hinge-TCRδ/IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1-hinge-TCRγ+IgV_(L)-IgC_(L)) design, the variable domain, the first constant domain, and the hinge (IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1-hinge) of an antibody heavy chain replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCR chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCR chain after the Vδ-Cδ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCR chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids. The variable domain, the first constant domain, and the hinge (IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1-hinge) of the antibody heavy chain replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCRγ chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCRγ chain after the Vγ-Cγ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCRγ chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids. The variable domain and the constant domain of the corresponding antibody light chain (IgV_(L)-IgC_(L)) are associated with the IgV_(H)-IgC_(H)1 domains.

In the caTCR-4 (IgV_(H)-TCRδ/IgV_(L)-TCRγ) design, the variable domain (IgV_(H)) of an antibody heavy chain replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCR chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCR chain after the Vδ-Cδ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCR chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids. The variable domain (IgV_(L)) of the corresponding antibody light chain replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCRγ chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCRγ chain after the Vγ-Cγ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCRγ chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids.

In the caTCR-5 (IgV_(H)-IgV_(L)-TCRδ/TCRγ) design, the variable domain of an antibody heavy chain fused to the variable domain of the corresponding antibody light chain (IgV_(H)-IgV_(L) or IgV_(L)-IgV_(H)) replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCR chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCR chain after the Vδ-Cδ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCR chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids. The amino terminal portion of the TCRγ chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCRγ chain after the Vγ-Cγ region is deleted, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCRγ chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids.

In the caTCR-6 (IgV_(H)-IgV_(L)-TCRδ/IgV_(H)-IgV_(L)-TCRγ) design, the variable domain of an antibody heavy chain fused to the variable domain of the corresponding antibody light chain (IgV_(H)-IgV_(L) or IgV_(L)-IgV_(H)) replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCR chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCR chain after the Vδ-Cδ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCR chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids. The variable domain of an antibody heavy chain fused to the variable domain of the corresponding antibody light chain (IgV_(H)-IgV_(L) or IgV_(L)-IgV_(H)) replaces the amino terminal portion of the TCRγ chain up to a position bordering or within the connecting peptide in the extracellular domain of the TCRγ chain after the Vγ-Cγ region, optionally wherein the transmembrane domain of the TCRγ chain is modified, such as by substitution of one or more amino acids.

Example 2. Construction and Characterization of T Cells Transduced with Anti-AFP caTCR-1 and Anti-CD3/anti-GPC3 Tandem scFv SSE

Primary T cells were transduced with either anti-AFP caTCR (SEQ ID NOs: 54 and 55) or anti-AFP caTCR+anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAb (SEQ ID NO: 71) lentivirus and measurements of the % of caTCR-positive cells was used to determine transduction efficiency. The anti-AFP caTCR was under the control of the EF1-alpha promoter (SEQ ID NO: 75) and the anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAb was under the control of an NFAT-derived promoter (SEQ ID NO: 74) comprising 6 NFAT response elements (SEQ ID NO: 72) and a minimal TA promoter (SEQ ID NO: 73). T-cells were matched at the indicated receptor positive percentages by mixing with mock T-cells. Two cell lines were used: HEPG2 (AFP+/GPC3+) and HEPG2 GPC3.ko (AFP+/GPC3−) at an effector-to-target ratio of 2.5:1. Specific T-cell lysis was measured after 16 hr incubation using the Cytox 96 Non-radioactive Cytotoxicity Assay (Promega).

In vitro killing data shows that the expression of the anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAb in T-cells transduced with the anti-AFP caTCR+anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAb increased the potency of the transduced T-cells compared to T cell transduced only with the anti-AFP caTCR in a GPC3-dependent manner, throughout a range of T-cell doses (FIG. 2). Reactions that demonstrated an increase in cytotoxic potency also showed increases in the amounts of cytokines (IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-2) released (FIG. 3). Thus the induced expression of the anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAb increased the potency and cytokine production of T-cells.

To directly measure the cytotoxicity of antigen-induced anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAbs apart from the anti-AFP caTCR T-cell toxicity, we used transwells with BsAb permeable membranes. 2.5×10⁵ SK-HEP1-GPC3 (GPC3⁺) or SK-HEP1 (GPC3) tumor cells and 4×10⁶ receptor-negative “mock” T-cells were seeded together in the lower chamber. 2.5×10⁵ anti-AFP caTCR transfected T-cells along with 2.5×10⁵ corresponding target cells SK-HEP1-MG (AFP⁺) or SK-HEP1 (AFP) were seeded together in the upper chamber. When anti-AFP caTCR+anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAb T-cells were stimulated with AFP positive (SK-Hep1-MG) tumor cells the secreted anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAbs passed through the transwell membrane and were able to stimulate the lysis of GPC3-positive SK-Hep1-GPC3 tumor cells (FIG. 4). These results demonstrate that the anti-AFP caTCR+anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAb T-cells were able to secrete specific fully functional anti-GPC3/anti-CD3 BsAbs in response to caTCR receptor engagement, and that the therapeutic effects of such BsAbs can be used in an additive fashion to caTCR therapy.

Sequence Listing SEQ ID  NO Description Sequence 1 TCRα constant domain PNIQNPDPAVYQLRDSKSSDKSVCLFTDFDSQTNVSQSKDSDVYITDKTVLDMRSMDF KSNSAVAWSNKSDFACANAFNNSIIPEDTFFPSPESSCDVKLVEKSFETDTNLNFQNL SVIGFRILLLKVAGFNLLMTLRLWSS 2 TCRβ constant domain EDLNKVFPPEVAVFEPSEAEISHTQKATLVCLATGFFPDHVELSWWVNGKEVHSGVST DPQPLKEQPALNDSRYCLSSRLRVSATFWQNPRNHFRCQVQFYGLSENDEWTQDRAKP VTQIVSAEAWGRADCGFTSVSYQQGVLSATILYEILLGKATLYAVLVSALVLMAMVKR KDF 3 TCRδ constant domain SQPHTKPSVFVMKNGTNVACLVKEFYPKDIRINLVSSKKITEFDPAIVISPSGKYNAV KLGKYEDSNSVTCSVQHDNKTVHSTDFEVKTDSTDHVKPKETENTKQPSKSCHKPKAI VHTEKVNMMSLTVLGLRMLFAKTVAVNFLLTAKLFFL 4 TCRγ constant domain DKQLDADVSPKPTIFLPSIAETKLQKAGTYLCLLEKFFPDVIKIHWQEKKSNTILGSQ EGNTMKTNDTYMKFSWLTVPEKSLDKEHRCIVRHENNKNGVDQEIIFPPIKTDVITMD PKDNCSKDANDTLLLQLTNTSAYYMYLLLLLKSVVYFAIITCCLLRRTAFCCNGEKS 5 TCRα transmembrane  ILLLKVAGFNLLMTLRLWSS domain 6 TCRβ transmembrane  TILYEILLGKATLYAVLVSALVL domain 7 TCRδ transmembrane VLGLRMLFAKTVAVNFLLTAKLFFL domain 8 TCRγ transmembrane YYMYLLLLLKSVVYFAIITCCLL domain (same as uniprot) 9 TCRδ transmembrane VLGLRMLFAKTVAVNFLLTAKLFSL domain F24S 10 TCRδ transmembrane VLGLRVLFAKTVAVNFLLTAKLFFL domain M6V 11 TCRδ transmembrane VLGCRIVILFAKTVAVNFLLTAKLFFL domain L4C 12 TCRδ transmembrane VLGLRMLFAKTFAVSFLLTAKLFFL domain V12F, N15S 13 TCRδ transmembrane VLGLRMLFAKTVAVNFLLTAKLFF S domain L25S 14 TCRγ transmembrane YYMYLLLLLKSVYYFAIITCCLLRRTAF domain V13Y 15 TCRγ transmembrane YYMYLLLLLKSVVYFAIITCGLLRRTAF domain C21G 16 TCRγ transmembrane YLVYLLLLLKSVVYFVIVTCCLLRRTAF domain Y2L, M3V, A16V, I18V 17 TCRγ transmembrane YLMYLLLLLKSVVYFAIITCCLLRRTAF domain Y2L 18 TCRγ transmembrane YYVYLLLLLKSVVYFAIITCCLLRRTAF domain M3V 19 TCRγ transmembrane YYMYLLLLLKSVVYFVIITCCLLRRTAF domain A16V 20 TCRγ transmembrane YYMYLLLLLKSVVYFAIVTCCLLRRTAF domain I18V 21 TCRγ transmembrane YYIYLLLLLKSVVYFAIITCCLLRRTAF domain M3I 22 TCRγ transmembrane YITYLLLLLKSVVYFIILTCCLLRRTAF domain Y2I, M3I, A16I, I18L 23 TCRγ transmembrane YYMYCLLLLKSVVYFAIITCCLLRRTAF domain L5C 24 TCRγ transmembrane YYMYLLLFLKSFVYSAIITCCLLRRTAF domain L8F, V12F, F15S 25 TCRγ transmembrane YYMYLLLLLKSVVYFAIIT M CLLRRTAF domain C19M 26 TCRγ transmembrane Q YMYLLLLLKSVVYFAIITCCLLRRTAF domain Y1Q 27 TCRα connecting ESSCDVKLVEKSFETDTNLNFQNLSVIGFR peptide 28 TCRα connecting IPEDTFFPSPESSCDVKLVEKSFETDTNLNFQNLSVIGFR peptide MD 29 TCRβ connecting ADCGFTSVSYQQGVLSA peptide 30 TCRβ connecting GRADCGFTSVSYQQGVLSA peptide MD 31 TCRδ connecting DHVKPKETENTKQPSKSCHKPKAIVHTEKVNMMSLTVLGLR peptide 32 TCRδ connecting EVKTDSTDHVKPKETENTKQPSKSCHKPKAIVHTEKVNMMSLTVLGLR peptide MD 33 TCRγ connecting MDPKDNCSKDANDTLLLQLTNTSA peptide 34 TCRγ connecting PIKTDVITMDPKDNCSKDANDTLLLQLTNTSA peptide MD 35 TCRβ intracellular  MAMVKRKDF domain 36 TCRγ intracellular RRTAFCCNGEKS domain 37 IgG1 C_(H)1 ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSC 38 IgG2-0C C_(H)1 ASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDRKPSNTKVDKTVERK 39 IgG2-1C C_(H)1 ASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKC 40 IgG2-2C C_(H)1 ASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCC 41 IgG3 C_(H)1 ASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYTCNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVELKTP 42 IgG4 C_(H)1C_(H)1 ASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTKTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKRVESKYG 43 IgA1 C_(H)1 ASPTSPKVFPLSLCSTQPDGNVVIACLVQGFFPQEPLSVTWSESGQGVTARNFPPSQD ASGDLYTTSSQLTLPATQCLAGKSVTCHVKHYTNPSQDVTVPCPVPSTPPTPSPSTPP TPSPS 44 IgA2 C_(H)1 ASPTSPKVFPLSLDSTPQDGNVVVACLVQGFFPQEPLSVTWSESGQNVTARNFPPSQD ASGDLYTTSSQLTLPATQCPDGKSVTCHVKHYTNPSQDVTVPCPVPPPPP 45 IgD C_(H)1 APTKAPDVFPIISGCRHPKDNSPVVLACLITGYHPTSVTVTWYMGTQSQPQRTFPEIQ RRDSYYMTSSQLSTPLQQWRQGEYKCVVQHTASKSKKEIFRWPESPKAQASSVPTAQP QAEGSLAKATTAPATTRNTGRGGEEKKKEKEKEEQEERETKTP 46 IgE C_(H)1 ASTQSPSVFPLTRCCKNIPSNATSVTLGCLATGYFPEPVMVTWDTGSLNGTTMTLPAT TLTLSGHYATISLLTVSGAWAKQMFTCRVAHTPSSTDWVDNKTFS 47 IgM C_(H)1 GSASAPTLFPLVSCENSPSDTSSVAVGCLAQDFLPDSITLSWKYKNNSDISSTRGFPS VLRGGKYAATSQVLLPSKDVMQGTDEHVVCKVQHPNGNKEKNVPLP 48 IgC_(L) domain GQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKP SKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEGSTVEKTVAPTECS 49 CD28 co-stimulatory RSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYQPYAPPRDFAAYRS fragment 2 50 4-1BB co-stimulatory KRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCEL fragment 2 51 OX40 co-stimulatory ALYLLRRDQRLPPDAHKPPGGGSFRTPIQEEQADAHSTLAKI fragment 2 52 IgV_(H) domain of anti- EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGESLTISCKASGYSFPNYWITWVRQMSGGGLEWMGRIDPGDSYT AFP158/HLA-A*02:01 TYNPSFQGHVTISIDKSTNTAYLHWNSLKASDTAMYYCARYYVSLVDIWGQGTLVTVS antibody S 53 IgV_(L) domain of anti- QSVLTQPASVSGSPGQSITISCTGTSSDVGGYNYVSWYQQHPGKAPKLMIYDVNNRPS AFP158/HLA-A*02:01 EVSNRFSGSKSGNTASLTISGLQAEDEADYYCSSYTTGSRAVFGGGTKLTVL antibody 54 anti-AFP158/HL EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGESLTISCKASGYSFPNYWITWVRQMSGGGLEWMGRIDPGDSYT A-A*02:01-caTCR-6MD TYNPSFQGHVTISIDKSTNTAYLHWNSLKASDTAMYYCARYYVSLVDIWGQGTLVTVS delta SASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVL QSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCEVKTDSTDHVKP KETENTKQPSKSCHKPKAIVHTEKVNMMSLTVLGLRMLFAKTVAVNFLLTAKLFFL 55 anti-AFP158/HL QSVLTQPASVSGSPGQSITISCTGTSSDVGGYNYVSWYQQHPGKAPKLMIYDVNNRPS A-A*02:01-caTCR-6MD EVSNRFSGSKSGNTASLTISGLQAEDEADYYCSSYTTGSRAVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKAN gamma PTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNN KYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEGSTVEKTVAPTECSPIKTDVITMDPKDNCS KDANDTLVLLQLTNTSAYYMYLLLLLKSVVYFAIITCCLLRRTAFCCNGEKS 56 IgV_(H) domain of anti- EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGESLKISCKGSGYSFTSYWIGWVRQMPGKGLEWMGHYPGDSDTR CD19 antibody YSPSFQGQVTISADKSISTAYLQWSSLKASDTAMYYCARQVVVGWQGGMYPRSNWWYN LDSWGQGTLVTVSS 57 IgV_(L) domain of anti- LPVLTQPPSVSVAPGKTARITCGGNNIGSKSVHWYQQKPGQAPVLVVYDDSDRPSGIP CD19 antibody ERFSGSNSGNTATLTISRVEAGDEADYYCQVWDSSSDYVVFGGGTKLTVLG 58 IgV_(H) domain of anti- QVQLQQPGAELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYNMHWVKQTPGRGLEWIGAIYPGNGDT CD20 antibody SYNQKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARSTYYGGDWYFNVWGAGT TVTVSS 59 IgV_(L) domain of anti- QIVLSQSPAILSASPGEKVTMTCRASSSVSYIEIWFQQKPGSSPKPWIYATSNLASGV CD20 antibody PVRFSGSGSGTSYSLTISRVEAEDAATYYCQQWTSNPPTFGGGTKLEIKR 60 IgV_(H) domain of anti- QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIYSGGSST GPC3 #37 YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARTSYLNHGDYWGQGTLVTV SS 61 IgV_(L) domain of anti- QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQRVTISCSGTRSNIGSDYVSWYQHLPGTAPKLLVYGDNLRPSG GPC3 #37 IPDRFSASKSGTSATLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDYTLNGVVFGGGTKLTVLG 62 IgV_(H) domain of anti-  QVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCTVSGYTFTNYYVFWVRQARGQRLEWIGDINPVNGDT CD47 NFNEKFKNRVTISADKSISTAYLQWSSLKASDTAMYYCARGGYTMDYWGQGTLVTVSS 63 IgV_(L) domain of anti-  DIVMTQTPLSLPVTPGEPASISCRSSQSLVHSNGNTYLHWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYKVSY CD47 RFSGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGVYYCSQNTHVPRTFGQGTKVEIKR 64 IgV_(H) domain of anti- QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGESLKVSCKASGYTFTSYYMHWVRQAPGQGLEWMGIINPSGG CD16A STSYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSTSTVYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARGSAYYYDFADYWGQ GTLVTVSS 65 IgV_(L) domain of anti- SYVLTQPSSVSVAPGQTATISCGGHNIGSKNVHWYQQRPGQSPVLVIYQDNKRPSGIP CD16A ERFSGSNSGNTATLTISGTQAMDEADYYCQVVVDNYSVLFGGGTKLTVL 66 scFv hiker SRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSLEMA 67 anti-GPC3 #37 scFv QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQRVTISCSGTRSNIGSDYVSWYQHLPGTAPKLLVYGDNLRPSG IPDRFSASKSGTSATLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDYTLNGVVFGGGTKLTVLGSRGGG GSGGGGSGGGGSLEMAQVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPG KGLEWVSVIYSGGSSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARTS YLNHGDYWGQGTLVTVSS 68 anti-CD47 scFv DIVMTQTPLSLPVTPGEPASISCRSSQSLVHSNGNTYLHWYQQKPGKAPKWYKVSYRF SGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGVYYCSQNTHVPRTFGQGTKVEIKRSRGGG GSGGGGSGGGGSLEQVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCTVSGYTFTNYYVFWVRQARGQR LEWIGDINPVNGDTNFNEKFKNRVTISADKSISTAYLQWSSLKASDTAMYYCARGGYT MDYWGQGTLVTVSS 69 anti-CD3 scFv DVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTRYTMHWVRQAPGQGLEWIGYINPSRGYT NYADSVKGRFTITTDKSTSTAYMELSSLRSEDTATYYCARYYDDHYCLDYVVGQGTTV TVSSGEGTSTGSGGSGGSGGADDIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSYMNWYQ QKPGKAPKRWIYDTSKVASGVPARFSGSGSGTDYSLTINSLEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNP LTFGGGTKVEIK 70 BsAb linker TSGGGGS 71 GPC3-37/CD3 BsAb QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQRVTISCSGTRSNIGSDYVSWYQHLPGTAPKLLVYGDNLRPSG IPDRFSASKSGTSATLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDYTLNGVVFGGGTKLTVLGSRGGG GSGGGGSGGGGSLEMAQVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPG KGLEWVSVIYSGGSSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARTS YLNHGDYWGQGTLVTVSSTSGGGGSDVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTRYT MHWVRQAPGQGLEWIGYINPSRGYTNYADSVKGRFTITTDKSTSTAYMELSSLRSEDT ATYYCARYYDDHYCLDYWGQGTTVTVSSGEGTSTGSGGSGGSGGADDIVLTQSPATLS LSPGERATLSCRASQSVSYMNWYQQKPGKAPKRWIYDTSKVASGVPARFSGSGSGTDY SLTINSLEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPLTEGGGTKVEIK 72 6NFAT response GGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACAGAAGGCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACAGAAG element GCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACAGAAGGCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACA GAAGGCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACAGAAGGCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCA TACAGAAGGCGT 73 TA promoter GCCGCCCCGACTGCATCTGCGTGTTCCAATTCGCCAATGACAAGACGCTGGGCGGGG TTTGTGTCATCATAGAACTAAAGACATGCAAATATATTTCTTCCGGGGACACCGCCA GCAAACGCGAGCAACGGGCCACGGGGATGAAGCAG 74 NFAT-derived promoter GGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACAGAAGGCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACAGAAG GCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACAGAAGGCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACA GAAGGCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCATACAGAAGGCGTGGAGGAAAAACTGTTTCA TACAGAAGGCGTCTCGAGGCCGCCCCGACTGCATCTGCGTGTTCCAATTCGCCAATG ACAAGACGCTGGGCGGGGTTIGTGTCATCATAGAACTAAAGACATGCAAATATATTT CTTCCGGGGACACCGCCAGCAAACGCGAGCAACGGGCCACGGGGATGAAGCAG 75 EF1-alpha promoter GGATCTGCGATCGCTCCGGTGCCCGTCAGTGGGCAGAGCGCACATCGCCCACAGTCC CCGAGAAGTTGGGGGGAGGGGTCGGCAATTGAACGGGTGCCTAGAGAAGGTGGCGC GGGGTAAACTGGGAAAGTGATGTCGTGTACTGGCTCCGCCTTTTTCCCGAGGGTGGG GGAGAACCGTATATAAGTGCAGTAGTCGCCGTGAACGTTCTTTTTCGCAACGGGTTT GCCGCCAGAACACAGCTGAAGCTTCGAGGGGCTCGCATCTCTCCTTCACGCGCCCGC CGCCCTACCTGAGGCCGCCATCCACGCCGGTTGAGTCGCGTTCTGCCGCCTCCCGCC TGTGGTGCCTCCTGAACTGCGTCCGCCGTCTAGGTAAGTTTAAAGCTCAGGTCGAGA CCGGGCCTTTGTCCGGCGCTCCCTTGGAGCCTACCTAGACTCAGCCGGCTCTCCACGC TTTGCCTGACCCTGCTTGCTCAACTCTACGTCTTTGTTTCGTTTTCTGTTCTGCGCCG TTACAGATCCAAGCTGTGACCGGCGCCTAC 76 IgV_(H) domain of anti- EVQLVQSGAEVKKPGESLKISCKGSGYSFTSYWIGWVRQMPGKGLEWMGIIYPGDSDT CD19 antibody RYSPSFQGQVTIADKSISTAYLQWSSLKASDTAMYYCARQVVVGWQGGMYPRSNWWYN LDSWGQGTLVTVSS 77 IgV_(L) domain of anti- LPVLTQPPSVSVAPGKTARITCGGNNIGSKSVHWYQQKPGQAPVLVVYDDSDRPSGIP CD19 antibody ERFSGSNSGNTATLTISRVEAGDEADYYCQVWDSSSDYVVFGGGTKLTVL 78 IgV_(H) domain of anti- QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSISGSGGST CD22 antibody YYADSVKGRFTISRDTSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARYGSAAWMDSWGQGTLVTV SS 79 IgV_(L) domain of anti-  DIQLTQSPSSLSTSVGDRVTITCQASHDIRNYLNWYQQKPGKAPNLLIYAASNLQTGV CD22 antibody PSRFSGRGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQYDGLPLTFGQGTRLEIKR 80 CD28 co-stimulatory IEVMYPPPYLDNEKSNGTIIEVKGKHLCPSPLFPGPSKPFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVT fragment 1 VAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYQPYAPPRDFAAYRS 81 4-1BB co-stimulatory PADLSPGASSVTPPAPAREPGHSPQIISFFLALTSTALLFLLFFLTLRFSVVKRGRKK fragment 1  LLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCEL 82 OX40 co-stimulatory DPPATQPQETQGPPARPITVQPTEAWPRTSQGPSTRPVEVPGGRAVAAILGLGLVLGL fragment 1 LGPLAILLALYLLRRDQRLPPDAHKPPGGGSFRTPIQEEQADAHSTLAKI 83 CD8 TM fragment TTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGV LLLSLVITLYC 84 CD27 co-stimulatory PTHLPYVSEMLEARTAGHMQTLADFRQLPARTLSTHWPPQRSLCSSDFIRILVIFSGM fragment 1 FLVFTLAGALFLHQRRKYRSNKGESPVEPAEPCRYSCPREEEGSTIPIQEDYRKPEPA CSP 85 CD27 co-stimulatory  QRRKYRSNKGESPVEPAEPCRYSCPREEEGSTIPIQEDYRKPEPACSP fragment 2 86 CD30 co-stimulatory APPLGTQPDCNPTPENGEAPASTSPTQSLLVDSQASKTLPIPTSAPVALSSTGKPVLD fragment 1 AGPVLFWVILVLVVVVGSSAFLLCHRRACRKRIRQKLHLCYPVQTSQPKLELVDSRPR RSSTQLRSGASVTEPVAEERGLMSQPLMETCHSVGAAYLESLPLQDASPAGGPSSPRD LPEPRVSTEHTNNKIEKIYIMKADTVIVGTVKAELPEGRGLAGPAEPELEEELEADHT PHYPEQETEPPLGSCSDVMLSVEEEGKEDPLPTAASGK 87 CD30 co-stimulatory HRRACRKRIRQKLHLCYPVQTSQPKLELVDSRPRRSSTQLRSGASVTEPVAEERGLMS fragment 2 QPLMETCHSVGAAYLESLPLQDASPAGGPSSPRDLPEPRVSTEHTNNKIEKIYIMKAD TVIVGTVKAELPEGRGLAGPAEPELEEELEADHTPHYPEQETEPPLGSCSDVMLSVEE EGKEDPLPTAASGK 88 CSR1 AAAIEVMYPPPYLDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHLCPSPLFPGPSKPFWVLVVVGGVLACYSL LVTVAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYQPYAPPRDFAAYRS 89 anti-CD19 CSR LPVLTQPPSVSVAPGKTARITCGGNNIGSKSVHWYQQKPGQAPVLVVYDDSDRPSGIP ERFSGSNSGNTATLTISRVEAGDEADYYCQVWDSSSDYVVFGGGTKLTVLGSRGGGGS GGGGSGGGGSLEMAEVQLVQSGAEVKKPGESLKISCKGSGYSFTSYWIGWVRQMPGKG LEWMGEYPGDSDTRYSPSFQGQVTISADKSISTAYLQWSSLKASDTAMYYCARQVVVG WQGGMYPRSNWWYNLDSWGQGTLVTVSSAAAIEVMYPPPYLDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHL CPSPLFPGPSKPFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVTVAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRR PGPTRKHYQPYAPPRDFAAYRS 90 anti-GPC3 CSR QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQRVTISCSGTRSNIGSDYVSWYQHLPGTAPKLLVYGDNLRPSG IPDRFSASKSGTSATLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDYTLNGVVFGGGTKLTVLGSRGGG GSGGGGSGGGGSLEMAQVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPG KGLEWVSVIYSGGSSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARTS YLNHGDYWGQGTLVTVSSAAAIEVMYPPPYLDNEKSNGTIIHVKGKHLCPSPLFPGPS KPFWVLVVVGGVLACYSLLVTVAFIIFWVRSKRSRLLHSDYMNMTPRRPGPTRKHYQP YAPPRDFAAYRS 

1. An immune cell a) comprising a chimeric antibody-T cell receptor (TCR) construct (caTCR) comprising: i) an antigen binding module that specifically binds to a target antigen; and ii) a T cell receptor module (TCRM) comprising a first TCR domain (TCRD) comprising a first TCR transmembrane domain (TCR-TM) and a second TCRD comprising a second TCR-TM, wherein the TCRM facilitates recruitment of at least one TCR-associated signaling molecule; and b) capable of secreting a secretory secondary effector (SSE) capable of enhancing an immune response mediated by the caTCR.
 2. The immune cell of claim 1, wherein the target antigen is a cell surface antigen or a complex comprising a peptide and a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The immune cell of claim 1, wherein the first TCR-TM is derived from one of the transmembrane domains of a first naturally occurring T cell receptor and the second TCR-TM is derived from the other transmembrane domain of the first naturally occurring T cell receptor.
 5. The immune cell of claim 4, wherein at least one of the TCR-TMs is non-naturally occurring.
 6. The immune cell of claim 4, wherein the first naturally occurring T cell receptor is a γ/δ T cell receptor.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The immune cell of claim 1, wherein the caTCR is multispecific.
 9. The immune cell of claim 1, wherein the caTCR further comprises a stabilization module comprising a first stabilization domain and a second stabilization domain, wherein the first and second stabilization domains have a binding affinity that stabilizes the caTCR.
 10. The immune cell of claim 1, wherein the SSE comprises an antibody moiety.
 11. The immune of claim 10, wherein the antibody moiety is a multispecific antibody moiety.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The immune cell of claim 11, wherein the antibody moiety is a bispecific antibody moiety comprising a first antibody moiety that targets an immune cell surface antigen and a second antibody moiety that targets a disease-associated antigen.
 14. The immune cell of claim 13, wherein the immune cell surface antigen is CD3 or CD16a.
 15. The immune cell of claim 13, wherein the disease-associated antigen is different from the target antigen of the caTCR.
 16. The immune cell of claim 13, wherein the disease-associated antigen is the same as the target antigen of the caTCR.
 17. The immune cell of claim 13, wherein the disease-associated antigen is GPC3, CD47, MUC16, CD19, CD20, CD22, EpCAM, EGFR, HER2, CEA, PSMA, AFP, PSA, BCMA, FCRL5, NY-ESO, HPV16, or FoxP3.
 18. The immune cell of claim 10, wherein the antibody moiety is an antagonist of an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule, an agonist of a stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule, a soluble receptor ligand trap derived from the extracellular domain of a receptor, a soluble receptor antagonist derived from the extracellular domain of a ligand for the receptor, or an exogenous cytokine. 19-21. (canceled)
 22. The immune cell of claim 15, wherein the target antigen of the caTCR is an MEW class I complex comprising an AFP peptide, and the disease-associated antigen is GPC3. 23-30. (canceled)
 31. One or more nucleic acids encoding the caTCR and SSE of claim
 1. 32-36. (canceled)
 37. An immune cell comprising the one or more nucleic acids claim
 31. 38. (canceled)
 39. A method of killing a target cell presenting a target antigen, comprising contacting the target cell with the immune cell of claim
 1. 40. A method of treating a target antigen-associated disease in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the immune cell of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 